bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Low-Stakes Assignments To Support Scientific Lab Report Writing in Introductory Science Courses
Authors: Shumskaya Maria , Mishra Sasmita , Lorentzen Laura
Published: December 2020

Using a combination of online tools (discussion board, submission of reports, grading with rubrics) and scaffolded low stakes writing, we designed a comprehensive writing assignment that teaches first and second year undergraduates a basic scientific skill: written communication in the form of a laboratory report. Scaffolding of the assignment into small sections helps students concentrate on topics and writing technique, and ensures the instructor can grade the reports quickly while still providing valuable feedback. Hence, students get a chance to practice lab report writing consistently throughout the semester, simultaneously learning how to do it and improving their results. The assignment prepares students for the lab report in advanced courses or writing scientific reports in their later career. The assignment was used in biology courses, but can be used in other science courses where lab report preparation is required. This system was well received by students.
Widespread Prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-1
in Escherichia coli from Père David's Deer in China
Authors: Lu Xiaoyu , Xiao Xia , Liu Yuan , Huang Siyang , Li Ruichao , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: December 2020

The
mcr-1
gene is widely reported around the world and has been identified on various plasmids with different replicon types. Resistance to the last-line antibiotic colistin mediated by
mcr-1
still represents a threat to global public health.
Supplemental Material: Distinguishing tectonic versus climatic forcing on landscape evolution: An example from SE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Fangbin , Nie Junsheng , al. et
Published: December 2020

Table S1. Results of apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He dating; Table S2. Results of zircon (U-Th)/He dating; Figures S1–S4.
Prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Gebregiorgis Birhan Gebresillassie , Takele Goitom Molalign , Ayenew Kassahun Dires , Amare Yosef Eshetie
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are public health problems of global concern and are notably prevalent in developing countries. The prevalence of HAI and its associated factors are not well described in the context of Ethiopia. Currently, the nationwide prevalence of HAI and its corresponding associated factors have not been formally reported in Ethiopia. This review will provide an estimate of the prevalence of HAI and its associated factors.

Methods

Scholarly articles will be selected from the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane library, Hinary, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Articles within the timeline of January 2000 to December 2020 will be included for review. Observational studies, randomised trials, surveys, surveillance reports, published and grey literature that reported the prevalence of HAI or factors associated with HAI reported as OR (95% CI) with no language restriction will be included in the analysis. Screening and selection of articles will be done using web-based Covidence software. The article’s quality and risk of bias will be critically appraised using Johanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklist. Random effects model using the inverse variance method will be conducted to estimate the prevalence of HAI. To examine heterogeneity, the Q statistics and I2 statistics will be conducted. Publication bias will be investigated using Begg’s correlation method and Egger’s weighted regression test. All analyses will be performed with STATA (V.14) software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for meta-analysis reviews as participants are not included. The review will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Applying the Three Delays Model to understand emergency care seeking and delivery in rural Bangladesh: a qualitative study
Authors: Shah Bansari , Krishnan Nandita , Kodish Stephen R. , Yenokyan Gayane , Fatema Kaniz , Burhan Uddin Kazi , Rahman A K M Fazlur , Razzak Junaid
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The Three Delays Model has been commonly used to understand and prevent maternal mortality but has not been systematically applied to emergency medical conditions more generally. The objective of this study was to identify delays in emergency medical care seeking and delivery in rural Bangladesh and factors contributing to these delays by using the Three Delays Model as a framework.

Design

A qualitative approach was used. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews using semistructured guides. Two analysts jointly developed a codebook iteratively and conducted a thematic analysis to triangulate results.

Setting

Six unions in Raiganj subdistrict of Bangladesh.

Participants

Eight focus group discussions with community members (n=59) and eight in-depth interviews with healthcare providers.

Results

Delays in the decision to seek care and timely receipt of care on reaching a health facility were most prominent. The main factors influencing care-seeking decisions included ability to recognise symptoms and decision-making power. Staff and resource shortages and lack of training contributed to delays in receiving care. Delay in reaching care was not perceived as a salient barrier. Both community members and healthcare providers expressed interest in receiving training to improve management of emergency conditions.

Conclusions

The Three Delays Model is a practical framework that can be useful for understanding barriers to emergency care and developing more tailored interventions. In rural Bangladesh, training community members and healthcare providers to recognise symptoms and manage acute conditions can reduce delays in care seeking and receiving adequate care at health facilities.
Impact of cardiovascular disease and risk factors on fatal outcomes in patients with COVID-19 according to age: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bae SungA , Kim So Ree , Kim Mi-Na , Shim Wan Joo , Park Seong-Mi
Published: December 2020

Objective

Previous studies that evaluated cardiovascular risk factors considered age as a potential confounder. We aimed to investigate the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors on fatal outcomes according to age in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed on data collected from PubMed and Embase databases up to 11 June 2020. All observational studies (case series or cohort studies) that assessed in-hospital patients were included, except those involving the paediatric population. Prevalence rates of comorbid diseases and clinical outcomes were stratified by mean patient age in each study (ranges: <50 years, 50–60 years and ≥60 years). The primary outcome measure was a composite fatal outcome of severe COVID-19 or death.

Results

We included 51 studies with a total of 48 317 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Overall, the relative risk of developing severe COVID-19 or death was significantly higher in patients with risk factors for CVD (hypertension: OR 2.50, 95% CI 2.15 to 2.90; diabetes: 2.25, 95% CI 1.89 to 2.69) and CVD (3.11, 95% 2.55 to 3.79). Younger patients had a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and CVD compared with older patients; however, the relative risk of fatal outcomes was higher among the former.

Conclusions

The results of the meta-analysis suggest that CVD and its risk factors (hypertension and diabetes) were closely related to fatal outcomes in COVID-19 for patients across all ages. Although young patients had lower prevalence rates of cardiovascular comorbidities than elderly patients, relative risk of fatal outcome in young patients with hypertension, diabetes and CVD was higher than in elderly patients.

Prospero registration number

CRD42020198152.
Prognostic value of electrocardiographic abnormalities in adults from the Brazilian longitudinal study of adults’ health
Authors: Pinto-Filho Marcelo Martins , Brant Luisa Caldeira , dos Reis Rodrigo Padilha , Giatti Luana , Duncan Bruce Bartholow , Lotufo Paulo A , da Fonseca Maria de Jesus M , Mill Jose Geraldo , de Almeida Maria da Conceição Chagas , MacFarlane Peter , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho
Published: December 2020

Objective

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly preventable non-communicable diseases. ECG is a potential tool for risk stratification with respect to CVD. Our aim was to evaluate ECG’s role in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality prediction.

Methods

Participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, free of known CVD at baseline were included. A 12-lead ECG was obtained at baseline (2008–2010). Participants were followed up to 2018 by annual interviews. Deaths were independently reviewed. Cox as well as Fine and Grey multivariable regression models were applied to evaluate if the presence of any major electrocardiographic abnormality (MEA), defined according to the Minnesota Code system, would predict total and cardiovascular deaths. We also evaluated the Net Reclassification Index of adding MEA to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE).

Results

The 13 428 participants (median age 51 years, 45% men) were followed up for 8±1 years. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality occurred in 2.8% and 1.2% of the population, respectively. Prevalent MEA was an independent predictor of overall (HR=2.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.9) and cardiovascular mortality (HR=4.6, 95% CI 3.0 to 7.0) after adjustments for age, race, education and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Adding MEA to the SCORE resulted in 9% mis-reclassification in the non-event subgroup and 33% correct reclassification in those with a fatal cardiovascular event.

Conclusion

Presence of MEA was an independent predictor of overall and cardiovascular mortality. ECG may have a role in risk prediction of cardiovascular mortality in primary care.
Greater admissions, mortality and cost of heart failure in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Burstein Danielle S , Rossano Joseph W , Griffis Heather , Zhang Xuemei , Fowler Rachel , Frischertz Benjamin , Kim Yuli Y , Lindenfield JoAnn , Mazurek Jeremy A , Edelson Jonathan B , Menachem Jonathan N
Published: December 2020

Objective

Limited contemporary data exist regarding outcomes and resource use among adults with congenital heart disease and heart failure (ACHD-HF). This study compared outcomes, emergency department (ED) and hospital resource use, and advanced heart failure (HF) therapies in ACHD-HF versus non-ACHD with HF (HF-non-ACHD).

Methods

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used to analyse outcomes and resource use among ACHD-HF ED visits and hospitalisations from 2006 to 2016. ACHD-HF was stratified by single-ventricle (SV) and two-ventricle (2V) disease.

Results

A total of 76 557 ACHD-HF visits (3.6% SV physiology) and 31 137 414 HF-non-ACHD visits were analysed. ACHD-HFs were younger (SV 33 years (IQR 25–44), 2V 62 years (IQR 45–76); HF-non-ACHD 74 years (IQR 63–83); p<0.001). ACHD-HFs had higher ED admissions (78% vs 70%, p<0.001), longer hospital length of stay (5 days (IQR 2–8) vs 4 days (IQR 2–7), p<0.001) and greater hospital costs ($49K (IQR 2K–121K) vs $32K (17K–66K), p<0.001). Mortality was significantly higher among ACHD-HFs with SV physiology (6.6%; OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) or 2V physiology (6.3%; OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.5) versus HF-non-ACHD (5.5%). ACHF-HF hospitalisations increased more (46% vs 6% HF-non-ACHD) over a 10-year period, but the proportion receiving ventricular assist device (VAD) (ACHD-HF −2% vs HF-non-ACHD 294%) or transplant (ACHD-HF −37% vs HF-non-ACHD 73%) decreased.

Conclusion

ACHD-HFs have significant ED and hospital resource use that has increased over the past 10 years. However, advanced HF therapies (VAD and transplantation) are less commonly used compared with those without adult congenital heart disease.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality of patients with STEMI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rattka Manuel , Dreyhaupt Jens , Winsauer Claudia , Stuhler Lina , Baumhardt Michael , Thiessen Kevin , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Imhof Armin
Published: December 2020

Aims

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, hospitals reported declining numbers of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), indicating that the pandemic might keep patients from seeking urgent medical treatment. However, data on outcomes and mortality rates are inconsistent between studies.

Methods

A literature search and meta-analysis were performed on studies reporting the mortality of patients with STEMI admitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Additionally, prehospital and intrahospital delay times were evaluated.

Results

Outcomes of a total of 50 123 patients from 10 studies were assessed. Our study revealed that, despite a significant reduction in overall admission rates of patients with STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic (incidence rate ratio=0.789, 95% CI 0.730 to 0.852, I2=77%, p<0.01), there was no significant difference in hospital mortality (OR=1.178, 95% CI 0.926 to 1.498, I2=57%, p=0.01) compared with patients with STEMI admitted before the outbreak. Time from the onset of symptoms to first medical contact was similar (mean difference (MD)=33.4 min, 95% CI −10.2 to 77.1, I2=88%, p<0.01) while door-to-balloon time was significantly prolonged in those presenting during the pandemic (MD=7.3 min, 95% CI 3.0 to 11.7, I2=95%, p<0.01).

Conclusion

The significant reduction in admission of patients with STEMI was not associated with a significant increase of hospital mortality rates. The causes for reduced incidence rates remain speculative. However, the analysed data indicate that acute and timely medical care of these patients has been maintained during the pandemic in most countries. Long-term data on mortality have yet to be determined.
Sirt1 Suppresses Burn Injury-Induced Inflammatory Response through Activating Autophagy in Raw264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Han Fu , Li Zhenzhen , Han Shichao , Jia Yanhui , Bai Lu , Li Xiaoqiang , Hu Dahai
Published: December 2020

The present study sought to investigate the association between silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and autophagy during systemic inflammatory response syndrome following burn injury. The experimental burn model in mice and macrophages were established. SIRT1 mRNA expression was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of SIRT1 and the conversion of light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II were determined by western blot analysis. The formation of autophagosomes was assessed by green fluorescence protein-tagged LC3 fluorescence. The contents of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. SIRT1 was highly expressed in burned tissues and RAW264.7 cells treated with serum obtained from mice with burn injuries. Moreover, SIRT1 overexpression augmented, whereas sirtinol, an inhibitor of SIRT1, attenuated burn injury-induced increasing number of autophagosomes and expression levels of LC3-II/LC3-I in RAW264.7 cells. Besides, sirtinol effectively prevented SIRT1-induced pro-inflammation during burn injury. Furthermore, autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine significantly attenuated SIRT1 overexpression-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine production. SIRT1 abolished burn injury-induced inflammatory response by inducing autophagy.
Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing the Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics between Imported and Local Covid-19 Inpatients in Nanyang, China
Authors: Sun Chan , Liu Peipei , Cui Yanhong , Li Kefang , Qu Weiwei , Jin Bo , Peng Fei , Zhao Jiang , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: December 2020

China has experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 since December 2019. This study investigated the differences between the imported and local cases of COVID-19 in Nanyang, China. In this study, a total of 129 COVID-19 confirmed cases with a clear epidemiological history admitted to hospitals in Nanyang from January 24 to February 26, 2020 were enrolled. Patients who had a travel history to or a residence history in Wuhan or in the surrounding areas in Hubei Province within 14 days before the illness onset were assigned to the imported group (n=70), and the others were assigned to the local group (n=59). The differences in epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, laboratory and imaging results, and prognosis were compared between the 2 groups. The early diagnosed cases were mainly imported cases, and the later diagnosed ones were mainly local cases. The most common first symptom was fever; moderate fever was commonly seen in imported cases whereas low fever was commonly seen in local cases. Lymphocyte counts in the imported group were lower than those in the local group. The imported group showed more advanced and severe abnormalities in the CT scan whereas the local group showed milder pulmonary abnormalities. The proportion of severe and critically severe patients in the imported group was higher than that in the local group. In conclusion, the imported cases have more severe or critically severe patients with a higher mortality rate than the local cases.
Reflective disequilibrium: a critical evaluation of the complete lives framework for healthcare rationing
Authors: Symons Xavier
Published: December 2020

One prominent view in recent literature on resource allocation is Persad, Emanuel and Wertheimer’s complete lives framework for the rationing of lifesaving healthcare interventions (CLF). CLF states that we should prioritise the needs of individuals who have had less opportunity to experience the events that characterise a complete life. Persadet alargue that their system is the product of a successful process of reflective equilibrium—a philosophical methodology whereby theories, principles and considered judgements are balanced with each other and revised until we achieve an acceptable coherence between our various beliefs. Yet I argue that many of the principles and intuitions underpinning CLF conflict with each other, and that Persadet alhave failed to achieve an acceptable coherence between them. I focus on three tensions in particular: the conflict between the youngest first principle and Persadet al’s investment refinement; the conflict between current medical need and a concern for lifetime equality; and the tension between adopting an objective measure of complete lives and accommodating for differences in life narratives.
Calculated plasma volume status predicts outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Maznyczka Annette Marie , Barakat Mohamad , Aldalati Omar , Eskandari Mehdi , Wollaston Ann , Tzalamouras Vasileios , Dworakowski Rafal , Deshpande Ranjit , Monaghan Mark , Byrne Jonathan , Wendler Olaf , MacCarthy Philip , Okonko Darlington
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Congestion can worsen outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but can be difficult to quantify non-invasively. We hypothesised that preprocedural plasma volume status (PVS), estimated using a validated formula that enumerates percentage change from ideal PV, would provide prognostic utility post-TAVI.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified patients who underwent TAVI (2007–2017) from a prospectively collected database. Actual ([1-haematocrit] × [a + (b × weight (Kg))] and ideal (c × weight (Kg)) PV were quantified from equations where a, b and c are sex-dependent constants. Calculated PVS was then derived (100% x [(actual – ideal PV)/ideal PV]).

Results

In 564 patients (mean age 82±7 years, 49% male), mean PVS was −2.7±10.2%, with PV expansion (PVS >0%) evident in 39%. Only logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) independently predicted a PVS >0% (OR 1.85, p=0.002). On Cox analyses, a PVS >0% was associated with greater mortality at 3 (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.74, p=0.03) and 12 months (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.26, p=0.006) after TAVI, independently of, and incremental to, the EuroSCORE and New York Heart Association class. A PVS >0% was also independently associated with more days in intensive care (coefficient: 0.41, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.78, p=0.03) and in hospital (coefficient: 1.95, 95% CI 0.48 to 3.41, p=0.009).

Conclusion

Higher PVS values, calculated simply from weight and haematocrit, are associated with greater mortality and longer hospitalisation post-TAVI. PVS could help refine risk stratification and further investigations into the utility of PVS-guided management in TAVI patients is warranted.
Severe hypercapnia associated with a chemodectoma causing profound tracheal narrowing in a cat
Authors: Lord Samuel , Bavcar Spela , Lodzinska Joanna , Gozalo‐Marcilla Miguel
Published: December 2020

An 11‐year‐old, domestic short‐haired cat presented out‐of‐hours with a 1‐day history of dyspnoea and open‐mouthed breathing. Ninety minutes after arrival, the cat acutely deteriorated. Butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously via a preplaced cephalic vein cannula, after which anaesthesia was induced (1.3 mg/kg alfaxalone). The cat’s trachea was intubated with a 3.5 mm internal diameter cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT), but it was not possible to give a manual breath and a capnograph trace was absent; therefore the ETT was replaced with a 4.5 mm internal diameter cuffed ETT. A manual breath was still not possible but a capnograph trace was present (end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension of 95 mmHg (12.7 kPa)). Intravenous dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg) and terbutaline (0.01 mg/kg) were administered. Computed tomography revealed a heart base mass compressing the trachea and decreasing its lumen to 1 mm diameter. The cat was euthanased due to poor prognosis. Histopathology revealed a chemodectoma.
Complexity of dynamical sphere in self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Majid Amal
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to derive a definition of complexity for a dynamic spherical system in the background of self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity. We measure complexity of the structure in terms of inhomogeneous energy density, anisotropic pressure and massive scalar field. For this purpose, we formulate structure scalars by orthogonally splitting the Riemann tensor. We show that self-gravitating models collapsing homologously follow the simplest mode of evolution. Furthermore, we demonstrate the effect of scalar field on the complexity and evolution of non-dissipative as well as dissipative systems. The criteria under which the system deviates from the initial state of zero complexity is also discussed. It is concluded that complexity of the sphere increases in self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity because the homologous model is not shear-free.
On the modelling of energetic multi-jet QCD events
Authors: Turgeman Daniel , Pitt Michael , Roth Itamar , Duchovni Ehud
Published: December 2020

Physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) may be unveiled by studying events with a high number of outgoing jets, produced at the LHC with energies above the TeV scale (energetic multi-jet events). Such events are dominated by QCD processes, where the calculations rely on some sort of approximation. Therefore, it is important to develop a robust approach for modeling such events that could probe the existence of BSM signals. In this note, jet spatial distributions in energetic multi-jet processes were compared using several state-of-the-art MC event generators. Slight differences were found, indicating modelling limitations. Therefore, a data-driven technique for the estimation of processes with a final state that contains a large number of jets is proposed. This procedure can predict jet multiplicities up to a precision of  25% in energetic multi-jet events.
Optimizing the performance of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter to measure Higgs properties during Phase I and Phase II of the LHC
Authors: Zghiche Amina
Published: December 2020

The CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL), is a high granularity lead tungstate (PbWO4) crystal calorimeter operating at the CERN LHC. The ECAL performance has been crucial in the discovery and subsequent characterization of the Higgs boson. The original ECAL design considerations, and the improvements to the energy reconstruction and energy calibration algorithms to cope with the LHC Run II are described. For the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) upgrades to ECAL are necessary. The crystals in the barrel region will be retained, defining the HL-LHC CMS barrel electromagnetic calorimeter ECAL. The readout electronics will be upgraded and operating at lower temperatures, to maintain the required performance of ECAL from 2027 onwards. The new readout electronics, the timing resolution and the electron and photon reconstruction efficiencies and energy resolution expected for HL-LHC are presented. The performance relevant to a number of key Higgs decay channels is reported.
SNO+ status and prospects
Authors: Caravaca J.
Published: December 2020

SNO+ is a multi-purpose experiment whose main goal is to study the nature of the neutrino mass through the observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay. Detection of this rare process would indicate that neutrinos are elementary Majorana particles, proving that lepton number is not conserved. The SNO+ detector will operate in three distinct phases with different target materials: water, pure liquid scintillator and tellurium-loaded liquid scintillator. During the water phase, the external backgrounds were confirmed to be within expectation, new limits on specific channels of invisible nucleon decay modes were set and the Boron-8 solar neutrino flux was measured and confirmed to be compatible with previous measurements. With a completed water phase, SNO+ is moving towards its main Tellurium-loaded phase. Here, we report the status of the experiment, the recent results and the potential of SNO+ for neutrinoless double-beta decay search.
A high precision narrow-band neutrino beam: The ENUBET project
Authors: Torti M. , Acerbi F. , Berra A. , Bonesini M. , Branca A. , Brizzolari C. , Brunetti G. , Calviani M. , Capelli S. , Carturan S. , Catanesi M. G. , Charitonidis N. , Cecchini S. , Cindolo F. , Collazuol G. , Conti E. , Dal Corso F. , Delogu C. , De Rosa G. , Falcone A. , Gola A. , Jollet C. , Kain V. , Klićek B. , Kudenko Y. , Laveder M. , Longhin A. , Ludovici L. , Lutsenko E. , Magaletti L. , Mandrioli G. , Margotti A. , Mascagna V. , Mauri N. , Meazza L. , Meregaglia A. , Mezzetto M. , Nessi M. , Paoloni A. , Pari M. , Parozzi E. G. , Pasqualini L. , Paternoster G. , Patrizii L. , Pozzato M. , Prest M. , Pupilli F. , Radicioni E. , Riccio C. , Ruggeri A. C. , Scian C. , Sirri G. , Stipćevic M. , Tenti M. , Terranova F. , Vallazza E. , Velotti F. , Vesco M. , Votano L.
Published: December 2020

The knowledge of the initial flux, energy and flavor of current neutrino beams is the main limitation for a precise measurement of neutrino cross-sections. The ENUBET ERC project is studying a facility based on a narrow-band neutrino beam capable of constraining the neutrino fluxes normalization through the monitoring of the associated charged leptons in an instrumented decay tunnel. In ENUBET, the identification of large-angle positrons from [Formula: see text] decays at single particle level can potentially reduce the [Formula: see text] flux uncertainty at the level of 1%. This setup would allow for an unprecedented measurement of the [Formula: see text] cross-section at the GeV scale. This input would be highly beneficial to reduce the budget of systematic uncertainties in the next long baseline oscillation projects. Furthermore, in narrow-band beams, the transverse position of the neutrino interaction at the detector can be exploited to determine a priori with significant precision the neutrino energy spectrum without relying on the final state reconstruction. This contribution will present the advances in the design and simulation of the hadronic beam line. Special emphasis will be given to a static focusing system of secondary mesons that can be coupled to a slow extraction proton scheme. The consequent reduction of particle rates and pile-up effects makes the determination of the [Formula: see text] flux through a direct monitoring of muons after the hadron dump viable, and paves the way to a time-tagged neutrino beam. Time-coincidences among the lepton at the source and the neutrino at the detector would enable an unprecedented purity and the possibility to reconstruct the neutrino kinematics at source on an event-by-event basis. We will also present the performance of positron tagger prototypes tested at CERN beamlines, a full simulation of the positron reconstruction chain and the expected physics reach of ENUBET.
Finite-time synchronization of delayed fractional-order quaternion-valued memristor-based neural networks
Authors: Ding Dawei , You Ziruo , Hu Yongbing , Yang Zongli , Ding Lianghui
Published: December 2020

This paper mainly concerns with the finite-time synchronization of delayed fractional-order quaternion-valued memristor-based neural networks (FQVMNNs). First, the FQVMNNs are studied by separating the system into four real-valued parts owing to the noncommutativity of quaternion multiplication. Then, two state feedback control schemes, which include linear part and discontinuous part, are designed to guarantee that the synchronization of the studied networks can be achieved in finite time. Meanwhile, in terms of the stability theorem of delayed fractional-order systems, Razumikhin technique and comparison principle, some novel criteria are derived to confirm the synchronization of the studied models. Furthermore, two methods are used to obtain the estimation bounds of settling time. Finally, the feasiblity of the synchronization methods in quaternion domain is validated by the numerical examples.
Dynamics of charged and magnetized particles around cylindrical black holes immersed in external magnetic field
Authors: Rayimbaev Javlon , Demyanova Alexandra , Camci Ugur , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: December 2020

The motion and acceleration of an electrically charged and magnetized particle around a cylindrical black hole in the presence of an external asymptotically uniform magnetic field parallel to the [Formula: see text]-axis are investigated. We look at circular orbits around a central object and study the dependence of the most internal stable circular orbits (ISCO) on the so-called magnetic coupling parameters, which are responsible for the interaction between the external magnetic field and magnetized and charged particles. It is shown that the ISCO radius decreases with increasing magnetized interaction parameter. Therefore, we also studied collisions of magnetized particles around a cylindrical black hole immersed in an external magnetic field, and showed that the magnetic field can act as a particle accelerator near nonrotating cylindrical black holes.
Scalar field propagation in braneworld black hole scenario obtained from Nash theorem
Authors: Fontana R. D. B. , Maia C. A. S. , Maia M. D. , Silva S. S. A.
Published: December 2020

We determine the scalar field evolution of a braneworld localized black hole with both dark matter and dark energy components, obtained within a dynamical and continuous embedding formalism by use of Nash’s theorem. We further extract the associated quasinormal modes for both de Sitter–Schwarzschild-Dark matter and anti-de Sitter–Schwarzschild-Dark matter solutions, for the different causal structures (one, two or three horizon spacetimes) given by the space of parameters. By comparison with standard solutions within stand alone general relativity, we conclude with comments on possible observable astrophysical differences via quasinormal spectra, and remark on the interpretations of previous AdS/CFT correspondence scenarios.
Digitizing Grocery Retailing: The Role of Emerging Technologies in the Value Chain
Authors: Weyer Julia , Tiberius Victor , Bican Peter , Kraus Sascha
Published: December 2020

Multiple emerging technologies both threaten grocers and offer them attractive opportunities to enhance their value propositions, improve processes, reduce costs, and therefore generate competitive advantages. Among the variety of technological innovations and considering the scarcity of resources, it is unclear which technologies to focus on and where to implement them in the value chain. To develop the most probable technology forecast that addresses the application of emerging technologies in the grocery value chain within the current decade, we conduct a two-stage Delphi study. Our results suggest a high relevance of almost all technologies. The panel is only skeptical about three specific projections. As a consequence, grocers are advised to build up knowledge regarding the application of these technologies in the most promising areas of their value chain.
Novel special affine wavelet transform and associated uncertainty principles
Authors: Ahmad Owais , Sheikh Neyaz A.
Published: December 2020

Due to the extra degrees of freedom, special affine Fourier transform (SAFT) has achieved a respectable status within a short span and got versatile applicability in the areas of signal processing, image processing, sampling theory, quantum mechanics. However, due to its global kernel, SAFT fails to obtain local information of non-transient signals. To overcome this, in this paper, we introduce the concept of novel special affine wavelet transform (NSAWT) and extend key harmonic analysis results to NSAWT analogous to those for the wavelet transform. We first establish some fundamental properties including Moyal’s principle, Inversion formula and the range theorem. Some Heisenberg type inequalities and Pitt’s inequality are established for SAFT and consequently Heisenberg uncertainty principle is derived for NSAWT.
Existence and exponential stability of weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions for genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays
Authors: Ayachi Moez
Published: December 2020

The importance of prediction for genetic regulatory network (GRNs) makes mathematical modeling a prominent tool. In this paper, we consider weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions for a class of GRNs with time-varying delays. We establish the existence, uniqueness, and global exponential stability by employing the theory of dichotomy, the fixed point theorem, and differential inequality. A numerical example along with a graphical illustration are presented to support our main results. Our results extend existing GRNs models using almost periodic functions to support a wider range of regulatory processes.
On the vertex monophonic, vertex geodetic and vertex Steiner numbers of graphs
Authors: John J.
Published: December 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a vertex of a connected graph G. It is proved that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-monophonic, [Formula: see text]-geodetic and [Formula: see text]-Steiner numbers of [Formula: see text], respectively. However, there is no relationship between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It is proved that in distance-hereditary graphs, [Formula: see text]. It is shown that for any positive integers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exists a connected graph [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for some vertex [Formula: see text].
On eigenvalues of the reciprocal distance signless Laplacian matrix of graphs
Authors: Alhevaz Abdollah , Baghipur Maryam , Alizadeh Yaser , Pirzada Shariefuddin
Published: December 2020

For a simple connected graph [Formula: see text], the reciprocal transmission [Formula: see text] of a vertex [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text] The reciprocal distance signless Laplacian (briefly RDSL) matrix of a connected graph [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Harary matrix (reciprocal distance matrix) of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the diagonal matrix of the vertex reciprocal transmissions in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we first investigate the RDSL spectrum of the join and also joined union of graphs and we construct new pairs of equienergetic graphs by using the joined union of regular graphs. Then we obtain some bounds on the spectral radius of reciprocal distance signless Laplacian matrix of [Formula: see text], which is the largest eigenvalue of the matrix [Formula: see text]. We also characterize the extremal graphs.
Self-weighted Robust LDA for Multiclass Classification with Edge Classes
Authors: Yan Caixia , Chang Xiaojun , Luo Minnan , Zheng Qinghua , Zhang Xiaoqin , Li Zhihui , Nie Feiping
Published: December 2020

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a popular technique to learn the most discriminative features for multi-class classification. A vast majority of existing LDA algorithms are prone to be dominated by the class with very large deviation from the others, i.e., edge class, which occurs frequently in multi-class classification. First, the existence of edge classes often makes the total mean biased in the calculation of between-class scatter matrix. Second, the exploitation of ℓ2-norm based between-class distance criterion magnifies the extremely large distance corresponding to edge class. In this regard, a novel self-weighted robust LDA with ℓ2,1-norm based pairwise between-class distance criterion, called SWRLDA, is proposed for multi-class classification especially with edge classes. SWRLDA can automatically avoid the optimal mean calculation and simultaneously learn adaptive weights for each class pair without setting any additional parameter. An efficient re-weighted algorithm is exploited to derive the global optimum of the challenging ℓ2,1-norm maximization problem. The proposed SWRLDA is easy to implement and converges fast in practice. Extensive experiments demonstrate that SWRLDA performs favorably against other compared methods on both synthetic and real-world datasets while presenting superior computational efficiency in comparison with other techniques.
A neutrophil subset defined by intracellular olfactomedin 4 is associated with mortality in sepsis
Authors: Kangelaris Kirsten N. , Clemens Regina , Fang Xiaohui , Jauregui Alejandra , Liu Tom , Vessel Kathryn , Deiss Thomas , Sinha Pratik , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Liu Kathleen D. , Zhuo Hanjing , Alder Matthew N. , Wong Hector R. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Lowell Clifford , Matthay Michael A.
Published: December 2020

Sepsis is a heterogeneous syndrome clinically and biologically, but biomarkers of distinct host response pathways for early prognostic information and testing targeted treatments are lacking. Olfactomedin 4 ( OLFM4), a matrix glycoprotein of neutrophil-specific granules, defines a distinct neutrophil subset that may be an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in sepsis. We hypothesized that increased percentage of OLFM4+ neutrophils on sepsis presentation would be associated with mortality. In a single-center, prospective cohort study, we enrolled adults admitted to an academic medical center from the emergency department (ED) with suspected sepsis [identified by 2 or greater systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria and antibiotic receipt] from March 2016 through December 2017, followed by sepsis adjudication according to Sepsis-3. We collected 200 µL of whole blood within 24 h of admission and stained for the neutrophil surface marker CD66b followed by intracellular staining for OLFM4 quantitated by flow cytometry. The predictors for 60-day mortality were 1) percentage of OLFM4+ neutrophils and 2) OLFM4+ neutrophils at a cut point of ≥37.6% determined by the Youden Index. Of 120 enrolled patients with suspected sepsis, 97 had sepsis and 23 had nonsepsis SIRS. The mean percentage of OLFM4+ neutrophils was significantly increased in both sepsis and nonsepsis SIRS patients who died ( P ≤ 0.01). Among sepsis patients with elevated OLFM4+ (≥37.6%), 56% died, compared with 18% with OLFM4+ <37.6% ( P = 0.001). The association between OLFM4+ and mortality withstood adjustment for age, sex, absolute neutrophil count, comorbidities, and standard measures of severity of illness (SOFA score, APACHE III) ( P < 0.03). In summary, OLFM4+ neutrophil percentage is independently associated with 60-day mortality in sepsis and may represent a novel measure of the heterogeneity of host response to sepsis.
Species-specific metabolic responses of songbird, shorebird, and murine cultured myotubes to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Young Kevin G. , Vanderboor Christina M. , Regnault Timothy R. H. , Guglielmo Christopher G.
Published: December 2020

Migratory birds may benefit from diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that could improve exercise performance. Previous investigations suggest that different types of birds may respond differently to PUFA. We established muscle myocyte cell culture models from muscle satellite cells of a migratory passerine songbird (yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata coronata) and a nonpasserine shorebird (sanderling, Calidris alba). We differentiated and treated avian myotubes and immortalized murine C2C12 myotubes with n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and with monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) to compare effects on aerobic performance, metabolic enzyme activities, key fatty acid (FA) transporters, and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Sanderling and C2C12 myotubes increased expression of PPARs with n-3 PUFA treatments, whereas expression was unchanged in yellow-rumped warblers. Both sanderlings and yellow-rumped warblers increased expression of fatty acid transporters, whereas C2C12 cells decreased expression following n-3 PUFA treatments. Only yellow-rumped warbler myotubes increased expression of some metabolic enzymes, whereas the sanderling and C2C12 cells were unchanged. PUFA supplementation in C2C12 myotubes increased mitochondrial respiratory chain efficiency, whereas sanderlings increased proton leak-associated respiration and maximal respiration (measurements were not made in warblers). This research indicates that songbirds and shorebirds respond differently to n-3 PUFA and provides support for the hypothesis that n-3 PUFA increase the aerobic capacity of migrant shorebird muscle, which may improve overall endurance flight performance.
Open-Closed-Loop Iterative Learning Control with the System Correction Term for the Human Soft Tissue Welding Robot in Medicine
Authors: Wu Yang , Yang Min , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: December 2020

By combining manual welders (with intelligence and versatility) and automatic welding systems (with accuracy and consistency), an intelligent welding system for human soft tissue welding can be developed in medicine. This paper presents a data-correction control approach to human welder intelligence, which can be used to control the automated human soft tissue welding process. Human soft tissue welding can preconnect the excised tissue, and the shape of the tissue at the junction ensures the recovery of the operative organ function. This welding technology has the advantages of rapid operation, minimal tissue damage, no need for suture materials, faster recovery of the mechanism and properties of the living tissue, and the maintenance of the function of the organs. Model of the welding system is identified from the data; an open-closed-loop iterative learning control algorithm is then proposed to improve the tracking accuracy of the system. The algorithm uses the tracking error of current and previous to update the control law. Meanwhile, to further improve the accuracy under the conditions of external interference, a system correction term is added to the proposed ILC algorithm, which can be adjusted according to the system’s errors and output and improve the capability of the target tracking greatly. A detailed convergence analysis for the ILC law has been given. Simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method for GTAW control tasks.
Impact Factors and an Efficient Nomogram for Predicting the Occurrence of Sepsis after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Wang Jun , Mi Yuanyuan , Wu Sheng , Shao Hongbao , Zhu Lijie , Dai Feng
Published: December 2020

Introduction. To describe the clinical parameters of urinary stones and investigate the preoperative predictors of sepsis in patients following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Patients and Methods. A retrospective study of patients who underwent PCNL between August 2017 and December 2019 was performed. The patients were divided into the sepsis and nonsepsis groups according to whether they had sepsis, and their data were compared for further analysis. Results. Fifteen (6.1%) patients matching in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and the number of access variables were included in the sepsis group. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the staghorn calculi (OR: 12.206, P < 0.001) and positive midstream urine culture (OR: 16.505, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of sepsis, while preoperative renal fistula (OR: 0.122, P < 0.001) was a protective factor of sepsis. The three factors were ultimately selected to develop a nomogram to predict the probability of sepsis. The new nomogram was well calibrated and had higher diagnostic accuracy (the area under the curve: 0.916). Conclusions. Our study reveals that patients with complex stones and positive bacteriuria are associated with a significantly high risk of sepsis after surgery. The removal of obstruction before operation under certain conditions might be a reliable protective factor of sepsis.
Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis Reverses Neurographic Signs of Nerve Entrapment by Induced Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Margalef R. , Valera-Garrido F. , Minaya-Muñoz F. , Bosque M. , Ortiz N. , Santafe M. M.
Published: December 2020

Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the most common mononeuropathies. The lesional mechanism includes a scarring reaction that causes a vascular compromise. The most effective treatment is surgery, which consists of removing the scarred area, thus reverting the vascular impairment. In the present study, a more conservative therapeutic approach has been undertaken to release the nerve by means of galvanic current (GC) applied with a needle: percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE). For this purpose, a mouse model of sciatic nerve entrapment has been created using albumin coagulated by glutaraldehyde (albumin 35% and glutaraldehyde 2% volume applied, 10 μl). After two weeks, a fibrous reaction was obtained which entrapped the nerve to the extent of causing atrophy of the leg musculature (14.7%, P < 0.05 compared to the control leg). Ultrasound imaging confirmed that the model’s image was compatible with that of nerve entrapment in patients. To quantify the degree of entrapment, nerve conduction recordings were made. The amplitude (peak‐to‐peak) of the compound muscle action potential (CMAPs) decreased by 32.2% (P < 0.05), and the proximal latency increases by 17.7% (P < 0.05, in both cases). In order to release the sciatic nerve, PNE was applied (1.5 mA for 3 seconds and 3 repetitions; 1.5/3/3) by means of a solid needle in the immediacy of perineural fibrosis before and 5 minutes after the application of GC, and the proximal latency shows a decrease of 16% (P < 0.05). The recovery of CMAPs amplitude was about 48.7% (P < 0.05). Three weeks later, the CMAPs amplitude was almost completely recovered (94.64%). Therefore, with the application of GC by means of a solid needle, the sciatic nerve was definitively released from its fibrous entrapment.