bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towed wheel shimmy suppression through a nonlinear tuned vibration absorber
Authors: Habib Giuseppe , Epasto Alberto 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The implementation of the nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NLTVA) for the suppression of shimmy vibration in towed wheels is addressed in this study. We adopt a modified straight tangent tyre model of a single-degree-of-freedom towed wheel system with an attached NLTVA. Stability analysis illustrated that the NLTVA can significantly improve the stability of the equilibrium of the wheel. Bifurcation analysis highlighted the existence of large bistable regions, which undermines the system’s safety. However, numerical continuation analysis, coupled with a dynamical integrity investigation, revealed that the addition of an intentional softening nonlinearity in the absorber restoring force characteristic enables the complete suppression of the bistable regions, also reducing the amplitude of shimmy oscillations in the unstable region. Quasiperiodic motions were also identified; however, their practical relevance seems marginal.
High Positivity Yield of Hiv Index Case Testing in Mamfe Health District, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Enongene Mekolle Julius , Tshimwanga Katayi Edouard , Asongwe Mboh Khan Eveline , Bedifeh Bernard Atembeh , Boeyeo Forsi , Chuyum Aseh Christian , Agbornkwai Agbor Nyenty 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Index testing (IT) is a voluntary process whereby HIV seropositive clients are counselled and, after obtaining consent, their sexual and needle sharing partners are offered HIV testing services. IT has been associated with high HIV positivity rate. The aim of this study is to determine the positivity rate and factors influencing IT yield among sexual partners (SP) of newly diagnosed Index client (IC) at Mamfe District Hospital (MDH).
Methods: Records of all newly diagnosed HIV positive clients with an outcome for IT in MDH between July and September 2021, were reviewed retrospectively. Data were collected using a chart abstraction template from the IT registers. Analyses were done using the R Software Package version 4.0.4. Chi-square was used to test association between different groups at a significance level of p<0.01.
Results: Records of 133 consecutive newly diagnosed IC, 48.1% males vs 51.9% females and their 156 listed SP, 50.6% males vs 49.4% females were reviewed. Mean ages of the IC and SP were 39±10 and 37±11 years respectively and a majority of IC (39.9%) and SP (42.9%) were in the 35-44 years age group. 37.2% (58/156) of partners tested positive for HIV and were all linked to antiretroviral therapy. All SP were notified by provider referral method. HIV results of both male and female partners were not significantly associated with age group (p>0.05). HIV positivity rate of 42.9% (33/77) in female partners was not significantly higher than 31.6% (25/79) in male partners (p>0.05)
Conclusions: The positivity rate of IT among both male and female SP of new IC was high with no significance difference. Most of the IC and SP were aged 35-44 years and essentially in heterosexual relationship. Prioritizing and sustaining IT to partners of new IC using provider referral is a veritable strategy and need to be implemented with fidelity to increase case finding in order to boost ART uptake especially in the age group 35-44.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anxious and Depressive Symptoms in First-trimester Females and Their Partners: a study in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Qin Xuemei , Zhang Weiling , Xu Shuyin , Ma Mohan , Fan Xing , Nie Xueqing , Liu Jin , Ju Yumeng , Zhang Li , Li Lingjiang , Zhang Yan , Liu Bangshan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 lastingly affects public mental health. Many studies have described symptoms of anxiety and depression in pregnant women during the pandemic. However, limited study focuses on the prevalence and risk factors of mood symptoms among females and their partners during early pregnancy in the post-pandemic era in China, which was the aim of the study and could promote clinical attention and suggest possible directions for intervention.
Methods: One hundred and sixty-nine first-trimester couples were enrolled. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item, Family Assessment Device-General Functioning (FAD-GF), and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) were applied. Data were mainly analyzed through the binominal logistic regression analysis.
Results: 17.8% and 5.9% of first-trimester females had depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. Among partners, 12.4% and 9.5% had depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. In females, higher scores of FAD-GF (OR= 5.461 and 14.759; P< 0.05) and lower scores of Q-LES-Q-SF (OR= 0.830 and 0.715; P< 0.01) were related to the risk of depressive and anxious symptoms. A history of smoking and higher scores of FAD-GF were associated with the risk of depressive and anxious symptoms in partners (OR = 4.906 and 6.885; P< 0.05).
Conclusions: This study prompted still prominent mood symptoms in the post-pandemic era. Family functioning, quality of life, or a smoking history increased risks of mood symptoms among early pregnant families, which might facilitate the updating of medical intervention. However, the current study did not further explore interventions based on these findings.
Water-soluble quaternized copolymers as eco-friendly cationic modifiers of cotton fabrics for salt-free reactive dyeing applications
Authors: Tsimpouki Loukia , Papapetros Konstantinos , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Sygellou Labrini , Soto-Beobide Amaia , Andrikopoulos Konstantinos S. , Voyiatzis George A. , BOKIAS GEORGIOS , Kallitsis Joannis K. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Abstract
The modification of cotton fabrics with water-soluble cationic copolymers for salt-free dyeing applications with reactive dyes is explored in the present work. To this end, a family of bifunctional water-soluble cationic copolymers was designed through the chemical modification of poly(4-vinyl benzyl triethylammonium chloride), PVBC, with triethylamine, TEAM. These copolymers were applied onto cotton fabrics in aqueous alkaline solutions at moderate temperature (60oC). The successful cotton modification was verified through the characterization of the modified samples with Raman and XPS spectroscopy. Moreover, a polymer coverage of the fabric of the order of 0.1% (w/w) was estimated following the polymer exhaustion through UV-vis spectroscopy of the aqueous solutions used for the modification. The modification kinetics were followed through the evolution of the Raman spectra of the modified fabrics, the polymer exhaustion of the aqueous modification solutions and, indirectly, the dye exhaustion of the dyebaths using a reactive dye, namely Novacron Ruby NRS-3B. All techniques claim that fabric modification is practically accomplished within the first 1-2h. The double functionality of the copolymers was explored through the XPS study of the modified fabrics, revealing that both electrostatic binding and covalent bonding of the cationic copolymers with the anionic surface of the fabric are expected to take place. As an important consequence, the polymer-modified fabrics are strongly dyed under eco-friendlier conditions, namely in salt-free alkaline solutions at room temperature, in contrast to the barely dyed unmodified fabric.
Graphical Abstract
Severe community-acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterial meningitis: Clinical and prognostic picture from the intensive care unit
Authors: Cerezuela María Martín , Lizarazu Maialen Aseginolaza , García Patricia Boronat , Martín María José Asensio , Laguarda Gisela Alamán , Lerma Francisco Álvarez , Alonso David Roa , Socias Lorenzo , Artázcoz Paula Vera , Galleymore Paula Ramírez 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Severe community-acquired pneumococcal meningitis is a medical emergency. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the epidemiology, management and outcomes of this condition.
METHODS
Retrospective, observational and multicenter cohort study. Sixteen Spanish intensive care units were included. Demographic, clinical and microbiological variables in critically ill adults with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis were evaluated. Clinical response was evaluated at 72h after antibiotic treatment initiation and meningitis complications, length of stay and 30-day mortality were also recorded.
RESULTS
In total, 255 patients were included. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was positive in 89.7%; 25.7% were non-susceptible to penicillin, and 5.2% were non-susceptible to ceftriaxone or cefotaxime. The most frequent empiric antibiotic regimen was third-generation cephalosporin (47.5%) plus vancomycin (27.8%) or linezolid (12.9%). A steroid treatment regimen was administered to 88.6% of the patients. Clinical response was achieved in 65.8% of patients after 72 h of antibiotic treatment. Multivariate analysis identified two factors associated with early treatment failure: invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 12.66; 95% CI 1.90–84.55, p = 0.009) and septic shock (OR: 11.44; 95% CI 1.74–75.26, p = 0.011). The 30-day mortality rate was 13.7%. Only two factors were independently associated with 30-day mortality: Delay in start of antibiotic treatment (OR: 26.54; 95% CI 1.01–67.69, p = 0.049) and Sepsis related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (OR: 1.59; 95% CI 1.11–2.27, p = 0.011). Neurological complications appeared in 124 patients (48.63%).
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality rate in critically ill patients with pneumococcal meningitis is lower than previously reported. Delay in antibiotic treatment following admission is the only amendable factor associated with mortality.
WITHDRAWN: The Factors Affecting COVID-19 Incidences and Deaths of Geriatric Hospital Patients in Korea: Using Castle &amp; Engberg’s Framework
Authors: shin juh hyun , Jung Sun Ok , Lee Kyeong Hun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of organizational factors and nursing staff in geriatric hospitals on COVID-19 incidences and deaths. This study is a retrospective study using secondary data from governments nationwide in Korea. We used the number of COVID-19-confirmed cases and deaths among geriatric hospital patients and nurse staffing levels. When the registered nurse (RN) level was higher than the sample mean, the number of COVID-19-confirmed cases by geriatric hospital was significantly lower (4.302%; p = .049) and the number of deaths by geriatric hospitals was marginally significantly lower (1.436%; p = .053). This study presented the national description of geriatric hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients in terms of organizational and nursing staff factors. Our findings highlight the impact of nurse staffing skill mix and the number of geriatric hospitals related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. It is necessary to allocate a realistic designation of infection-control staff and establish a clear standard so infection-control activities in geriatric hospitals can proceed systematically.
Dynamical Mechanism of Parkinsonian Beta Oscillation in a Heterogenous Subthalamopallidal Network
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Yu Ying , Han Fang , Wang Qingyun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dysfunction of basal ganglia (BG) is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) including alteration of firing rate and excessive beta-band (13-30Hz) synchronization activity. Neuronal heterogeneity enriches dynamics of the nucleus, and heterogeneous external globus pallidus (GPe) neurons exhibit remarkable differences in discharge altering under pathological state. The precise mechanism underlying these neural signatures remains elusive. To address this, we propose a subthalamopallidal network containing two classes of GPe neurons, calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) and Lim homeobox (Lhx6) GPe. Our results show that Lhx6 GPe tends to rein in synchronous behavior and abnormal activity of PV GPe. Under pathological condition, the alteration of synaptic in heterogenous pallidal network manifests itself as a direct increase of inhibitory input to PV GPe or an indirect elevation of Lhx6 GPe firing rate. These essentially enhance the inhibition of PV GPe, which results in beta-band synchronous bursting. STN is instrumental in stabilizing the spiking sequence of GPe neurons, inhibiting abnormal synchronous oscillations both in control and pathological conditions. After dopamine-depleted, the STN-GPe circuit becomes a key component of positive feedback that promotes synchronization and rhythmicity. Among them, the PV-PV pathway notably impacts the enhancement of beta rhythmic oscillations, and the mutual inhibition between heterogenous GPe and STN-GPe synaptic affects the propagation of abnormal rhythms in pallidal and subthalamopallidal network, respectively. Our study highlights the pivotal role played by PV GPe in producing and amplifying pathological oscillatory behavior and STN in preventing abnormal rhythm, providing a novel insight into the design of therapeutic strategies.
Inner speech classification based on electroencephalography (EEG) signals and support vector machine (SVM)
Authors: Wei Xiao , Surjana Alvin Immanuel , Söffker Dirk 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Inner speech is a form of self-directed dialogue which plays an important role in cognitive development, speech monitoring, executive function, and psychopathology. Despite of a growing knowledge on its phenomenology, development, and function, approaches to the scientific study of inner speech have remained diffuse and largely unintegrated. Electroencephalography (EEG) which is a non-intrusive approach for brain-computer interface (BCI) brings new options to inner speech studies. Due to the advantages of EEG, more and more studies are related to inner speech apply EEG signals. In this contribution, different words expressed in inner speech are distinguished by applying EEG signals and support vector machine (SVM). Electroencephalography data from ‘Thinking out loud’ dataset open to public are employed. In the experiment, numerous EEG data are acquired from the 128 sensors located in the headcap. Therefore, data are filtered in the first step. Afterwards, selected data are decomposed by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) into various intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Furthermore, IMFs are transformed using Hilbert transform to check the brain wave bands suitable for distinguishing inner speech. Lastly, single or combined of IMFs are classified by support vector machine (SVM) with various kernels. When most suitable IMFs and kernels are employed, the average results for each subject scheme are: F-score: 99.24 %, accuracy: 99.24 %, and standard deviation (SD): 0.95. Best results for all subject schemes are: F-score: 99.67 %, accuracy: 99.66 %, and standard deviation (SD): 0.27. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach can differentiate EEG signals from inner speech well.
Tripartite entanglement and matrix inversion quantum algorithm
Authors: Hwang Mi-Ra Hwang , Kim MuSeong , Jung Eylee , Woo Chang-Yong , Park DaeKil 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The role of entanglement is discussed in the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) algorithm. We compute all tripartite entanglement at every steps of the HHL algorithm.
The tripartite entanglement is generated at the first quantum phase estimation (QPE) step.
However, it turns out that amount of the generated entanglement is not maximal except very rare cases. In the second rotation step some tripartite entanglement is
used. Thus, the net tripartite entanglement is diminished. At the final inverse-QPE step the matrix inversion task is completed at the price of complete
annihilation of the entanglement. An implication of this result is briefly discussed.
Genetic analysis of ACE2 peptidase domain in SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals from Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Naeemi Humaira , Azeem Ayesha , Sadaqat Rida , Shehzad Umara , Siddique Kashif , Hassan Usman , Raza Aun , Rashid Muhammad Usman 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a serious public health emergency of global concern. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) peptidase domain is important for the cellular entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Germline variants in ACE2 peptidase domain may influence the susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity in the host population. ACE2 genetic analysis among Caucasians showed inconclusive results. This is the first Asian study investigating the contribution of ACE2 germline variants to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Pakistani population.
Methods In total, 442 individuals, including SARS-CoV-2-positive (n=225) and SARS-CoV-2-negative (n=217) were screened for germline variants in ACE2peptidase domain (exons 2, 3, 9, and 10) using high resolution melting and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analyses followed by DNA sequencing of variant fragments. The identified variant was analyzed by in silico tools for potential effect on ACE2 protein.
Results A missense variant, p.Lys26Arg, was identified in one SARS-CoV-2-positive (1/225; 0.4%) and three SARS-CoV-2-negative (3/217; 1.4%) individuals. No significant difference in the minor allele frequency of this variant was found among SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals (1/313; 0.3% versus 3/328; 0.9%; P=0.624), respectively. The SARS-CoV-2-positive patient carrying p.Lys26Arg showed mild COVID-19 disease symptoms. It was predicted as benign variant by in silico tool. No variant was detected in ACE2 residues important for binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Conclusion The p.Lys26Arg variant may have no association with SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in Pakistani population. Whole ACE2 gene screening is warranted to clarify its role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Effect of E-commerce on Grocery Store Choice and Retail Competition
Authors: Etcheverry Clara 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
E-commerce continues its expansion, and most retail groups have opened online distribution channels in the French grocery market. Using purchasing data, I develop a store choice model and a supply model to estimate the effect of the online distribution channel on consumer welfare and retail competition. E-commerce leads to a very small decrease in consumer surplus. Furthermore, only online leaders obtain more market shares and profits while the majority globally get lower market shares and profits with e-commerce.
Outcomes of high-risk adult outpatients with haematological malignancies treated with early remdesivir therapy during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron era: experiences from the national centre of Hungary
Authors: GÁSPÁR Zsófia , SZABÓ Bálint Gergely , ÁBRAHÁM Anita , VÁRNAI Zsuzsanna , KISS-DALA Noémi , SZLÁVIK János , SINKÓ János , VÁLYI-NAGY István , LAKATOS Botond 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Emerging evidence suggests that remdesivir might improve clinical outcome of high-risk outpatients with COVID-19. Our aim was to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of non-hospitalized adults with haematological malignancies diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated with early remdesivir therapy during the omicron wave.
Methods
A single-centre prospective cohort study was performed among adult patients between February–June 2022, during the circulation of PANGO subvariants BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 in Hungary. Patients were enrolled based on pre-defined criteria. Clinical characteristics (demography, comorbidities, vaccination status, imaging, treatment, and disease course) and outcomes (COVID-19 related hospitalisation, oxygen supplementation, intensive care support, all-cause death) were assessed at 28-days post-treatment.
Results
Altogether 127 patients were enrolled: 51.2% (65/127) were female with a median age of 59 ± 22 (21‒92) years, and 48.8% (62/127) had active haematological malignancy. At 28-days post-treatment, 7.1% (9/127) of patients required COVID-19 related hospitalisation, 2,4% (3/127) required oxygen supplementation, 1,6% (2/127) required intensive care, and 0.8% (1/127) died due to a non-COVID-19 related secondary infection at the intensive care unit, all with haematological malignancies.
Conclusion
Early remdesivir treatment might be a feasible strategy among high-risk outpatients with haematological malignancies and COVID-19 during the omicron wave.
Advances in Computational Methods to Discover New NS2B-NS3 Inhibitors Useful Against Dengue and Zika Viruses
Authors: dos Santos Nascimento Igor José , da Silva Rodrigues Érica Erlanny , da Silva Manuele Figueiredo , de Araújo-Júnior João Xavier , de Moura Ricardo Olimpio 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:The Flaviviridae virus family consists of the genera Hepacivirus, Pestivirus, and Fla-vivirus, with approximately 70 viral types that use arthropods as vectors. Among these diseases, dengue (DENV) and zika virus (ZIKV) serotypes stand out, responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide. Due to the significant increase in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared DENV a potential threat for 2019 due to being transmitted by infected travelers. Furthermore, ZIKV also has a high rate of transmissibility, highlighted in the outbreak in 2015, generating consequenc-es such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. According to clinical outcomes, those in-fected with DENV can be asymptomatic, and in other cases, it can be lethal. On the other hand, ZIKV has severe neurological symptoms in newborn babies and adults. More serious symptoms in-clude microcephaly, brain calcifications, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal death. Despite these worrying data, no drug or vaccine is approved to treat these diseases. In the drug discovery process, one of the targets explored against these diseases is the NS2B-NS3 complex, which pre-sents the catalytic triad His51, Asp75, and Ser135, with the function of cleaving polyproteins, with specificity for basic amino acid residues, Lys- Arg, Arg-Arg, Arg-Lys or Gln-Arg. Since NS3 is highly conserved in all DENV serotypes and plays a vital role in viral replication, this complex is an excellent drug target. In recent years, computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) is increasingly essen-tial in drug discovery campaigns, making the process faster and more cost-effective, mainly ex-plained by discovering new drugs against DENV and ZIKV. Finally, the main advances in compu-tational methods applied to discover new compounds against these diseases will be presented here. In fact, molecular dynamics simulations and virtual screening is the most explored approach, providing several hit and lead compounds that can be used in further optimizations. In addition, fragment-based drug design and quantum chemistry/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) provides new insights for developing anti-DENV/ZIKV drugs. We hope that this review offers further helpful in-formation for researchers worldwide and stimulates the use of computational methods to find a promising drug for treating DENV and ZIKV.