bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of fetal–infant mortality rates in perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) analysis
Authors: Di Bona Vito
Published: February 2021

The Fetal–Infant mortality rate (FIMR) is the basic surveillance statistic in perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) analyses. This paper presents a model for the FIMR as the ratio of two Poisson random variables. From this model, expressions for estimators of variance, standard error, and relative standard error are developed. The coverage properties of interval estimators for the FIMR are investigated in a simulation study for both small and large populations and FIMR rates. Results from these studies are applied to a PPOR analysis of NC vital records. Results suggest that the sample size guidance provided in the literature to ensure statistical reliability is overly conservative and interval construction methodology should be selected based on population size.
Two characterizations of central BMO space via the commutators of Hardy operators
Authors: Fu Zunwei , Lu Shanzhen , Shi Shaoguang
Published: February 2021

This article addresses two characterizations of

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

-type space via the
commutators of Hardy operators with homogeneous kernels on Lebesgue spaces: (i) characterization of the central

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

space by the boundedness of the commutators; (ii) characterization of the central

BMO
⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{\mathrm{BMO}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

-closure of

C
c
∞

⁢

(

ℝ
n

)

{C_{c}^{\infty}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}

space via the compactness of the commutators. This is done by exploiting the center symmetry of Hardy operator deeply and by a more explicit decomposition of the operator and the kernel function.
Assessment of Chlorophyll-a concentration from Sentinel-3 satellite images at the Mediterranean Sea using CMEMS open source in situ data
Authors: Moutzouris-Sidiris Ioannis , Topouzelis Konstantinos
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of two well-known algorithms (Ocean Colour 4 for MERIS [OC4Me] and neural net [NN]) used in the calculation of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from the Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) compared to in situ measurements covering the Mediterranean Sea. In situ data set, obtained from the Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring Service (CMEMS) and more specifically from the data set with the title INSITU_MED_NRT_OBSERVATIONS_013_035, and Chl-a values at different depths were extracted. The concentration of Chl-a at a penetration depth was calculated. Then, water was classified into two categories, Case-1 and Case-2. For Case-2 waters, the OC4Me presents a moderate correlation with the in situ data for a time window of 0–2 h. In contrast with the NN algorithm, where very weak correlations were calculated, lower values of the statistical index of Bias for Case-1 waters were calculated for the OC4Me algorithm. Higher values of Pearson correlation were calculated (r > 0.5) for OC4Me algorithm than NN. OC4Me performed better than NN.
COVID-19 and geriatric population: from pathophysiology to clinical perspectives
Authors: Bansod Swanjal , Ahirwar Ashok Kumar , Sakarde Apurva , Asia Priyanka , Gopal Niranjan , Alam Sana , Kaim Kirti , Ahirwar Pradeep , Sorte Smita R.
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to a worldwide socio-economic depression, but has also had the highest health impact on the geriatric population. Elderly population, due to various reasons such as low immunity, pre-existing co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, are obviously predisposed to develop severe infections and exhibit a high mortality rate. This is because of many reasons which include the atypical presentation in the geriatric population which might have led to diagnostic delay. As per the WHO guidelines to perform RT-PCR only on the symptomatic individuals, a very small portion of individuals were tested, leaving a fraction of population undiagnosed. Therefore, there remained a chance that many asymptomatic individuals such caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members were undiagnosed and might have carried this virus to the geriatric patients. Also, many countries were not prepared to handle the burden on their healthcare system which included sudden increased demand of ICU beds, mechanical ventilation etc. As a result, they had to make decision on who to be admitted. Atypical presentation in geriatric population may include afebrile or low-grade fever, absence of cough, malaise, muscle pains, dyspnoea etc. Geriatric population shows a more severe type of pneumonia, significantly higher number of neutrophils and C-reactive protein, less lymphocytes and a higher proportion of multiple lobe involvement. Extreme social suppression during COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of mental and physical adverse effects that has made older adults more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Fabrication and characterization of Yb-doped Y2O3 powders and thin films
Authors: Kaya Elif Emil , Ünal Fatma , Kazmanlıa Kürşat , Gürmena Sebahattin
Published: February 2021

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) and ytterbium (Yb)-doped Y2O3 particles were synthesized via the sol-gel method from the aqueous solution of their nitrate salts. The synthesized powders were then deposited on Corning glass substrates using an electron beam evaporation technique to examine the growth morphology of the thin films. The effect of the Yb dopant concentration on the microstructure and morphology of the Y2O3 powders and thin films was investigated using various characterization techniques. The synthesized powders and fabricated thin films have body-centered cubic structures with space group Ia-3. Based on the X-ray peak broadening, crystallite size and lattice parameters were evaluated with the Williamsom-Hall and Cohen-Wagner methods. The lattice parameter and crystallite size decrease with increasing Yb concentration. The intensities of the Raman peaks decrease due to microstructural disorder caused by the increase in the Yb dopant concentration. The band gap values of the powders also decrease depending on the dopant concentration, similar to the lattice parameter and crystallite size. While the synthesized powders have a sponge-like morphology, they exhibit different morphological structures depending on the dopant concentration when converted into thin films.
Laser additive manufacturing of copper– chromium–niobium alloys using gas atomized powder
Authors: Maischner Dora , Fritsching Udo , Kini Anoop , Weisheit Andreas , Uhlenwinkel Volker , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Biermann Tim
Published: February 2021

Copper-chrome-niobium alloys exhibit excellent thermal and electrical properties combined with high strength at elevated temperatures. Additive manufacturing techniques such as laser metal deposition using powder as raw material offer the potential for rapid solidification as well as a high freedom of design to manufacture parts layer by layer. Powder samples of copper- chrome-niobium alloys were produced by gas atomization. Via laser metal deposition, bulk volumes without cracks and with a very low porosity can be built up. Rapid solidification leads to the formation of fine precipitates which are likely to be (Cr,Fe)2Nb. The precipitates are distributed homogeneously in the copper matrix. The copper crystals grow across the layers due to epitaxial nucleation on the preceding layer.
Preparation of ZnO nanoflakes and assessment of their removal of HCN, NO2 and SO2 toxic gases
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Thi , Pham Xuan Manh , Nguyen Thanh Nhan , Thi Nhung Hac , DangThi Tuyet Anh , Tran Quang Vinh , Vu Anh Tuan , Hoang Mai Ha , Nguyen Tuyen Van
Published: February 2021

Zinc oxide nanoflakes were synthesized using the wet precipitation method from aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide. The obtained materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption methods. The presence of sodium lauryl sulfate in the preparation of zinc oxide resulted in thinner, larger size, and higher specific surface area nanoflakes. The saturated adsorption capacities of zinc oxide nanoflakes for HCN, NO2, and SO2 were 216 mg g–1, 81 mg g–1, and 38 mg g–1, respectively. These results suggest that the material is a potential candidate for the removal of these toxic gases.
Fiber optic propagation problems and signal bandwidth measurements under high temperature and high dopant germanium ratios
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: February 2021

This study presents fiber optic losses/dispersion and signals bandwidth measurements under high temperature and high dopant germanium ratios variations for ultra-long haul distances without amplification stage. The fiber losses, fiber dispersion, and total fiber data rates are estimated and compared with the previous results under room temperature and high germanium dopant ratios to silica glass fiber. Then the model is extended for ultra-fiber transmission distances up to 500 km under high-temperature variations without using any amplification stage. The fiber losses/dispersion coefficient is degraded, and the total fiber data rates are enhanced with the increment of high dopant ratios of germanium.
Gain/noise figure spectra of average power model Raman optical amplifiers in coarse wavelength multiplexed systems
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Said Said Mohammed , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: February 2021

This work clarifies the gain/noise figure spectra of average power model Raman optical amplifiers in coarse wavelength multiplexed systems. The proposed model have a total received power of 16.306 dBm, signal gain of 21.68 dB, and noise figure of 3.802 dB at the same operation parameters of the previous model which operated at length 0.2 km at the optical fiber coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and transmitted signal power is 20 dBm. So the updates help us to greatly improve the system.
Research reactor model for isotope production based on the design of VVER-440 reactors
Authors: Terekhova A. , Mahdi A. , Zykova R.
Published: February 2021

The following work is an attempt to develop a model research reactor based on VVER-440 technologies, primarily for the production of radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine procedures. The article describes the basic design features of the model 10 MW multipurpose VVR reactor, including the features of reactor fuel, core, and related structures. A comparative analysis of targets for maximizing 99Mo production is also presented.
A decision-making method based on Bayesian optimization algorithm for small modular reactor
Authors: Zhang B. , Peng M. , Cheng S. , Sun L.
Published: February 2021

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are suitable for deployment in isolated underdeveloped areas to support highly localized microgrids. In order to achieve almost autonomous operation for reducing the cost of operating personnel, an autonomous control system with decision-making capability is needed. In this paper, a decision-making method based on Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) is proposed to explore the optimal operation scheme under fault conditions. BOA is used to adjust exploration strategy of operation scheme according to observations (operation schemes previously explored). To measure the feasibility of each operation scheme, an objective function that considers security and economy is established. BOA attempts to obtain the optimal operation scheme with maximum of the objective function in as few iterations as possible. To verify the proposed method, all main pump powered off fault is simulated by RELAP5 code. The optimal operation scheme of the fault is applied, the transient result shows that all key parameters are within safe limits and SMR is maintained at relatively high power, which means that BOA has the decision-making capability to get an optimal operation scheme on fault conditions.
Sensitivity analysis of stochastic frontier analysis models
Authors: Sakouvogui Kekoura , Shaik Saleem , Doetkott Curt , Magel Rhonda
Published: February 2021

The efficiency measures of the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) models are dependent on distributional assumptions of the one-sided error or inefficiency term. Given the intent of earlier researchers in the evaluation of a single inefficiency distribution using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, much attention has not been paid to the comparative analysis of SFA models.
Our paper aims to evaluate the effects of the assumption of the inefficiency distribution and thus compares different SFA model assumptions by conducting a MC simulation. In this paper, we derive the population statistical parameters of truncated normal, half-normal, and exponential inefficiency distributions of SFA models with the objective of having comparable sample mean and sample standard deviation during MC simulation. Thus, MC simulation is conducted to evaluate the statistical properties and robustness of the inefficiency distributions of SFA models and across three different misspecification scenarios, sample sizes, production functions, and input distributions. MC simulation results show that the misspecified truncated normal SFA model provides the smallest mean absolute deviation and mean square error when the true data generating process is a half-normal inefficiency distribution.
Impact of body mass index on left atrial dimension in HOCM patients
Authors: Zhou Yue , Yu Miao , Cui Jingang , Liu Shengwen , Yuan Jiansong , Qiao Shubin
Published: February 2021

Background

Substantial studies have demonstrated that left atrial (LA) enlargement was a robust predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity was a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of body mass index (BMI) on LA dimension in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 423 HOCM patients (average BMI 25.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were recruited for our study. Participants were stratified into three groups based on BMI: normal weight (BMI < 23 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 23–27.5 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2).

Results

Compared with normal weight, patients with obesity had significantly lower prevalence of syncope (p = 0.007) and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (p = 0.014), and serum NT-proBNP (p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), log NT-proBNP (β = 0.308, p < 0.001), presence of AF (β = 0.209, p = 0.001), and left ventricular diastolic diameter index (β = 0.142, p = 0.019) were independently related with LA diameter. However, BMI was not an independent predictor of the presence of AF on multivariable binary logistical regression analysis.

Conclusions

BMI was independently associated with LA diameter; however, it was not an independent predictor of prevalence of AF. These results suggest that BMI may promote incidence of AF through LA enlargement in HOCM.
An artificial immune system with bootstrap sampling for the diagnosis of recurrent endometrial cancers
Authors: Chang Chih-Yen , Lu Yen-Chiao (Angel) , Ting Wen-Chien , Shen Tsu-Wang (David) , Peng Wen-Chen
Published: February 2021

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies in developed countries. The prevention of the recurrence of endometrial cancer has always been a clinical challenge. Endometrial cancer is asymptomatic in the early stage, and there remains a lack of time-series correlation patterns of clinical pathway transfer, recurrence, and treatment. In this study, the artificial immune system (AIS) combined with bootstrap sampling was compared with other machine learning techniques, which included both supervised and unsupervised learning categories. The back propagation neural network, support vector machine (SVM) with a radial basis function kernel, fuzzy c-means, and ant k-means were compared with the proposed method to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the datasets, and the important factors of recurrent endometrial cancer were predicted. In the unsupervised learning algorithms, the AIS algorithm had the highest accuracy (83.35%), sensitivity (77.35%), and specificity (92.31%); in supervised learning algorithms, the SVM algorithm had the highest accuracy (97.51%), sensitivity (95.02%), and specificity (99.29%). The results of our study showed that histology and chemotherapy are important factors affecting the prediction of recurrence. Finally, behavior code and radiotherapy for recurrent endometrial cancer are important factors for future adjuvant treatment.
Generalized Minkowski type inequality for pseudo-integral
Authors: Štrboja Mirjana , Mihailović Biljana
Published: February 2021

In this paper some properties of the pseudo-integral are summarized and a characterization theorem for this integral is proposed. Using the characterization theorem, we obtain that the pseudo-integral with respect to the pseudo-product of two σ-⊕-measures can be reduced to repeated pseudo-integrals. As a consequence of that claim and the Hölder type inequality for the pseudo-integral, we get the generalized Minkowski inequality for the pseudo-integral.
Effect of laser welding speed on pore formation in AA 6061 T6 alloy
Authors: Gündoğdu İş Emine , Akman Erhan , Yilmaz Muharrem , Topuz Polat
Published: February 2021

In this study, 6 mm thick plates of Al 6061 T6 alloy are joined by laser welding at four welding speeds (40 mm × s-1, 35 mm × s-1, 25 mm × s-1, and 20 mm × s-1). The welded joints are made using a 4000 W fiber laser welding machine. The effect of laser welding speed on the pores formed in the weld seam was investigated. In this manner, it was found that with a change in laser welding speed the amount of pores formed in the structure also changed. In addition, after the welding process, macroscopic examinations, tensile tests and the hardness tests were made. As a result of the experiments performed, it was determined that, the laser welding speed was highly effective for pore formation.
Oblique impact behavior of Al-LDPE-Al sandwich plates
Authors: Refah Ahmet , Helin Kaya Şeyma , Nuri Karaoğlu Furkan , Sağlam İsmail , Choupani Naghdali
Published: February 2021

Metal-polymer-metal hybrid sandwich panels are gaining importance in various industrial applications due to their light weight and damping properties. When compared with composite materials, hybrid materials consisting of separate metal and thermoplastic parts can be recycled more easily. In addition to their applications in civil engineering, the aluminum-low density polyethylene-aluminum (Al-LDPE-Al) sandwich panels yield a potential use as light ballistic protection material. In this study, a standard hybrid panel of 3.2 mm polyethylene filling and 0.4 mm of two aluminum metal sheets was experimentally tested under ballistic impact. A finite element model was constructed via commercial software and validated through shooting experiments with a rifle under real conditions. The finite element model was used to simulate the oblique impact behavior of Al-LDPE-Al sandwich panels as a single layer, as 5 layers stacking and as a single layer equivalent of the stacked 5 layer. Results showed that the oblique impact does not have a significant effect on the single layer panel. Stacked layers, however, and the equivalent single layer of a stacked layer have the highest energy absorption under a 30° hitting angle.
New submerged arc welding flux for hardfacing of Hardox steels
Authors: Kaptanoglu Mustafa , Odabasi Akin
Published: February 2021

In this study, the usability of a new submerged arc welding flux was investigated to develop the surface properties of Hardox steels. In the hardfacing welding processes for Hardox 400 steel, four welding speeds resulting in varied heat inputs were applied. Through an analysis of the chemical composition, microstructure examinations, hardness measurements and wear tests, the possibility of hardfacing properties control due to the change of process parameters were determined. In the experimental studies, the hardness of the hardfacing obtained at a welding speed of 30 cm × min-1 was measured as 42 HRC while the hardness of the hardfacing obtained at a welding speed of 48 cm × min-1 was measured as 57 HRC. Moreover, in the wear tests, results consistent with the hardness values were obtained. It was understood in the light of the results that the use of high carbon ferro-chromium 20 wt.-% in a submerged arc welding flux mixture may be useful in improving hardness and wear properties of Hardox steels through hardfacing welding processes.
GIS-based mapping of noise from mechanized minerals ore processing industry
Authors: Susanto Arif , Setyawan Dony O. , Setiabudi Firman , Savira Yenni M. , Listiarini Aprilia , Putro Edi K. , Muhamad Aditya F. , Wilmot John C. , Zulfakar Donny , Kara Prayoga , Shofwati Iting , Sodikin Sodikin , Tejamaya Mila
Published: February 2021

Monitoring workers’ exposure to occupational noise is essential, especially in industrial areas, to protect their health. Therefore, it is necessary to collect information on noise emitted by machines in industries. This research aims to map the noise from mechanized mineral ore industry using the kriging interpolation method, and ArcGIS 10.5.1 to spatially process and analyze data. The experimental calculation result of the semivariogram showed a 0.83 range value, with an essential parameter of 1.75 sill and a spherical total theoretical model. The result shows that the main machines with the highest power consumption and the Leq value are located in the southwest position of the sampled areas with a noise map-projected to assess the workers’ noise exposure level. In conclusion, the study found that the highest noise level was generated ranged from 88 to 97 dBA and contributed to the whole sound pressure level at certain positions.
Lump, lump-one stripe, multiwave and breather solutions for the Hunter–Saxton equation
Authors: Seadawy Aly R. , Rizvi Syed Tahir Raza , Ahmad Sarfraz , Younis Muhammad , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article was to address the lump, lump-one stripe, multiwave and breather solutions for the Hunter–Saxton equation with the aid of Hirota bilinear technique. This model concerns in a massive nematic liquid crystal director field. By choosing the function f in Hirota bilinear form, as the general quadratic function, trigonometric function and exponential function along with appropriate set of parameters, we find the lump, lump-one stripe, multiwave and breather solutions successfully. We also interpreted some three-dimensional and contour profiles to anticipate the wave dynamics. These newly obtained solutions have some arbitrary constants and so can be applicable to explain diversity in qualitative features of wave phenomena.
Comparative study of conventional and microwave heating of polyacrylonitrile-based fibres
Authors: Zhao Guozhen , Liu Jianhua , Xu Lei , Guo Shenghui
Published: February 2021

The effects of the conventional heating method and the microwave heating method on polyacrylonitrile-based fibres in the temperature range of 180–280 °C were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray wide-angle scattering, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy and bulk density were used to characterise the properties of the samples. Results show that the microwave heating method can shorten the pre-oxidation time, reduce pre-oxidation temperature and reduce the number of surface defects. The pre-oxidised fibres obtained by the microwave heating method exhibit not only good crystallite size but also a smooth surface. Atomic morphology and molecular arrangement are orderly inside the fibre. The FT-IR spectrum shows that the oxidation reaction occurs at 220 °C, and the CI value of PAN fibers stabilised by microwave heating is the larger than the fibers stabilised by conventional heating. XRD analysis shows that fibers stabilised by microwave heating have low stack domains. The SEM and Raman spectra indicate that hydrogen peroxide can improve the surface finish of the fibers and reduce defects. Microwave heating can reduce the pre-oxidation temperature by about 20 °C and shorten the heating time. The economic benefits of using this method are significantly improved.
Priorities, actions and risks in the COVID-19 pandemic: a flash SoMe survey among surgical oncologists
Authors: Cortés-Guiral Delia , Sgarbura Olivia , Alyami Mohammad , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Doki Yuichiro , Ishigami Hironori , Grass Fabian , Hübner Martin
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Corona virus-induced disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has globally affected the surgical treatment of cancer patients and has challenged the ethical principles of surgical oncologists around the world. Not only treatment but also diagnosis and follow-up have been disrupted.

Methods

An online survey was sent through Twitter and by the surgical societies worldwide. The survey consisted of 29 closed-ended questions and was conducted over a period of 24 days beginning in March 26, 2020.

Results

Overall, 394 surgical oncologists from 41 different countries answered the questionnaire. The predominant guiding principle was “saving lives” 240 (62%), and the different aspects of lock-down found hence large support (mean 7.1–9.3 out of 10). Shut-down of elective surgery and modification of cancer care found a mean support of 7.0 ± 3.0 and 5.8 ± 3.1, respectively. Modification of cancer care longer than two weeks was considered unacceptable to 114 (29%) responders. Hundred and fifty six (40%) and 138 (36%) expect “return to normal” beyond six months for surgical practice and cancer care, respectively.

Conclusions

Surgical oncologists show strong and long-lasting support for lock-down measures aiming to save lives. The impact of the pandemic on surgical oncology is perceived controversially, but the majority was forced already now to accept what is inacceptable for many of their colleagues.
Revisiting cross sections for proton induced reactions on natural lead between 10 and 80 MeV
Authors: Gülez Salim , Pandey Bhawna , Strub Erik
Published: February 2021

This work is focused on the natPb(p,xn)207Bi reaction to extend earlier works on proton induced reactions for the determination of cross sections of residual nuclides. 207Bi decay (half-life 31.55 years) was measured by γ-ray spectrometry in 42 lead foils which had been irradiated by high proton fluxes 20 years ago. Since then, all short-lived radionuclides produced during the irradiation have decayed, so the background is strongly reduced and the cross section could be measured more precisely than during the original measurements. The results are found to be in very good agreement with the historical record. Additionally, theoretical calculations with modern Monte Carlo based codes were performed to compare the calculations of various Bi, Tl and Pb reactions with the historical data and with additional data from literature. The deviations of the new data from both theoretical calculations using EMPIRE and TALYS are discussed.
Development of a fast characterization setup for radionuclide generators demonstrated by a 227Ac-based generator
Authors: Krupp Dominik , Düllmann Christoph E. , Lens Lotte , Scherer Ulrich W.
Published: February 2021

The development of a setup for a fast online characterization of radionuclide generators is reported. A generator utilizing the mother nuclide 227Ac sorbed on a cation exchange resin is continuously eluted by using a peristaltic pump. To allow continuous and pulse-free elution of a large volume over extended time periods a 3D-printed interface designed to remove pressure-oscillations induced by the pump was placed between pump and generator column to ensure undisturbed generator elution. The eluate of the generator is passed through a 3D printed flow cell placed inside a borehole Na(Tl)-scintillation detector for high counting efficiency. Alternatively, a HPGe detector suitable for nuclide identification was used to demonstrate the validity of the online method. The detection system combines conventional gamma-ray spectrometry with fast list mode data acquisition in the Matlab software package. Elution experiments were performed at different flow rates of hydrochloric acid, separating 211Bi (t
1/2 = 2.14 min) free from its parent nuclides. In addition, to prove the versatility of the setup, experiments at different hydrochloric acid concentrations were performed resulting in the elution of pure 211Pb (t
1/2 = 36.1 min) and 223Ra (t
1/2 = 11.43 d), respectively.
Towards a stratified metafunctional model of animation
Authors: He Yufei
Published: February 2021

Animation is widely acknowledged for dynamically visualizing information and has been increasingly used in educational context. However, the growing presence of educational animation has not been accompanied by well-informed studies that focus on the semiotic features of animation. An emerging perspective influenced by Social Semiotics and Systemic Functional Linguistics greatly complements the current trend of animation studies in the field of science education. Studies taking that perspective model animation as stratified systems (consisting of an expression plane and a content plane) of meaning-making options. Building on their work, this paper further develops the systems of animation on the two planes. Besides the concept of stratification, this paper also introduces a metafunctional perspective for the modeling of animation, focusing on building the ideational meaning system and textual meaning system for animation on the content plane based on an examination of online science animations. It is found that educational animation is not homogenous: animation can construe different human experience and can be used to fulfill different functions. The paper closes with a discussion of the advantages of adopting a stratified metafunctional model in studying animation and the implications for future studies in the field of multimodal semiotics and science education.
Hyper(in)visibility and urban-mediatic populism in São Paulo: a sociosemiotic approach
Authors: Demuru Paolo
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article is to tackle the sociosemiotic strategies through which the relation between power and visibility is articulated in today’s metropolitan São Paulo. Drawing on the theoretical-methodological framework of Greimasian and post-Greimasian semiotics, the following hypotheses are put forth: (1) contemporary São Paulo is characterized by a true visual hypertrophy, which manifests itself, all at once, in both its architectural and mediatic landscapes; (2) in São Paulo, power is hypervisible and apparently transparent; (3) the excess of images, gazes, and perspectives produces, in São Paulo, dense and wide areas of topological, mediatic, and social invisibility; (4) the predominant visibility in São Paulo can be qualified as a “populist” visibility. Based on these assumptions, this article intends to contribute to the consolidation of a critical debate on the visual matrices of power and on social processes of exclusion and inclusion currently in place in global metropolises. Likewise, it is intended to contribute to the elaboration of a theoretical-methodological framework capable of understanding and addressing the complexity of the phenomena that characterize such debate.
Acceptability of psychologically-based pain management and online delivery for people living with HIV and chronic neuropathic pain: a qualitative study
Authors: Scott Whitney , Badenoch James , Garcia Calderon Mendoza del Solar Maite , Brown Darren A. , Kemp Harriet , McCracken Lance M. , C de C Williams Amanda , Rice Andrew S. C.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Chronic neuropathic pain is common in people living with HIV. Psychological treatments can improve quality of life for people with chronic pain in general, and online delivery can increase access to these treatments. However, the acceptability of psychological treatment and online delivery have not been investigated in-depth in people living with HIV and chronic neuropathic pain. Therefore, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore views about a psychological treatment for pain management in this population and to investigate the acceptability of online treatment delivery.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, adopting a critical realist perspective. Twenty-six people living with HIV and chronic neuropathic pain completed semi-structured interviews. Their views about a psychological treatment for pain management and online delivery were explored in-depth.

Results

Three themes and 12 subthemes were identified. Theme one represents a desire for a broader approach to pain management, including not wanting to take more pills and having multidimensional goals that were not just focussed on pain relief. Theme two includes barriers to online psychologically-based pain management, including concerns about using the Internet and confidentiality. Theme three describes treatment facilitators, including accessibility, therapist support, social connection, and experiencing success.

Conclusions

A psychological treatment for chronic neuropathic pain management appears acceptable for people living with HIV. Therapist-supported online delivery of cognitive-behavioural pain management may be acceptable for people living with HIV given appropriate development of the treatment to address identified barriers to engagement. These data can inform developments to enhance engagement in online psychologically-informed pain management in people living with HIV and more broadly in remote delivery of psychological treatments.
Aufstellung einer Messunsicherheitsbilanz für ein primäres Messverfahren zur Bestimmung der elektrolytischen Leitfähigkeit
Authors: Breuel Ulrich , Werner Barbara , Schiering Nadine , Zeißler Andreas
Published: February 2021

Die elektrolytische Leitfähigkeit ist eine wichtige Messgröße zur Kontrolle und Überwachung von Prozessen in wässrigen Medien, die in unterschiedlichen Bereichen der Industrie von Bedeutung sind. In der metrologischen Hierarchie sind die primären Messverfahren allen anderen übergeordnet, d. h. ihnen nachgeordnet sind sekundäre Messverfahren (z. B. mit Standardmesszellen) sowie Messungen mit kommerziellen Leitfähigkeitsmessgeräten mit 2- und 4-Polmesszellen.

Die ZMK & ANALYTIK GmbH entwickelte eine Primärmesseinrichtung für die elektrolytische Leitfähigkeit. Die Temperierung wurde durch Durchführung der Messungen in einem Flüssigkeitsbad realisiert.

Der folgende Artikel beinhaltet die Aufstellung der Messunsicherheitsbilanz für das primäre Messverfahren. Die kombinierte Messunsicherheit setzt sich aus mehreren Beiträgen zusammen. Als wichtige Beiträge wurden die Widerstandsmessung, die Messung der Temperatur sowie die Verschiebung der Messelektroden um einen definierten Verschiebeweg in der Messunsicherheit berücksichtigt, die sich wiederum aus Einzelbeiträgen zusammensetzen. Die einzelnen Messunsicherheitsbeiträge der elektrischen Messungen (Widerstände), der Messungen der Temperatur, den dimensionellen Messungen sowie weitere Beiträge werden detailliert dargestellt. Die Korrelation einzelner Beiträge untereinander wird berücksichtigt.
Anti-inflammatory genes in PBMCs post-spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Nguyen Doan , Tran Vi , Shirazian Alireza , Velasco-Gonzalez Cruz , Iwuchukwu Ifeanyi
Published: February 2021

Background

Neuroinflammation is important in the pathophysiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and peripheral inflammatory cells play a role in the clinical evolution and outcome.

Methodology

Blood samples from ICH patients (n = 20) were collected at admission for 5 consecutive days for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Frozen PBMCs were used for real-time PCR using Taqman probes (NFKB1, SOD1, PPARG, IL10, NFE2L2, and REL) and normalized to GAPDH. Data on hospital length of stay and modified Rankin score (MRS) were collected with 90-day MRS ≤ 3 as favorable outcome. Statistical analysis of clinical characteristics to temporal gene expression from early to delayed timepoints was compared for MRS groups (favorable vs unfavorable) and hematoma volume.

Principle findings and results

IL10, SOD1, and REL expression were significantly higher at delayed timepoints in PBMCs of ICH patients with favorable outcome. PPARG and REL increased between timepoints in patients with favorable outcome. NFKB1 expression was not sustained, but significantly decreased from higher levels at early onset in patients with unfavorable outcome. IL10 expression showed a negative correlation in patients with high hematoma volume (>30 mL).

Conclusions and significance

Anti-inflammatory, pro-survival regulators were highly expressed at delayed time points in ICH patients with a favorable outcome, and IL10 expression showed a negative correlation to high hematoma volume.
Calumenin contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts poor survival in glioma
Authors: Yang Ying , Wang Jin , Xu Shihai , Shi Fei , Shan Aijun
Published: February 2021

Background

Calumenin (CALU) has been reported to be associated with invasiveness and metastasis in some malignancies. However, in glioma, the role of CALU remains unclear.

Methods

Clinical and transcriptome data of 998 glioma patients, including 301 from CGGA and 697 from TCGA dataset, were included. R language was used to perform statistical analyses.

Results

CALU expression was significantly upregulated in more malignant gliomas, including higher grade, IDH wildtype, mesenchymal, and classical subtype. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that CALU-correlated genes were mainly enriched in cell/biological adhesion, response to wounding, and extracellular matrix/structure organization, all of which were strongly correlated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. GSEA further validated the profound involvement of CALU in EMT. Subsequent GSVA suggested that CALU was particularly correlated with three EMT signaling pathways, including TGFβ, PI3K/AKT, and hypoxia pathway. Furthermore, CALU played synergistically with EMT key markers, includingN-cadherin, vimentin, snail, slug, and TWIST1. Survival and Cox regression analysis showed that higher CALU predicted worse survival, and the prognostic value was independent of WHO grade and age.

Conclusions

CALU was correlated with more malignant phenotypes in glioma. Moreover, CALU seemed to serve as a pro-EMT molecular target and could contribute to predict prognosis independently in glioma.
Thomas Linke: Rudolf Otto: Parallelen und Wertunterschiede im Christentum und Buddhatum
Authors: Linke Thomas
Published: February 2021

This is a new (and for the first time complete) edition of a speech about Buddhism by Rudolf Otto from 1913. This speech is his first academic reflexion of his journey around the world and his most detailed explanation of his view on this religion. In the first part of his speech Otto compares Buddhism with Christianity and finds a lot of parallels. In the second part he defines differences between these two religions and proclaims – from a Christian perspective – Christianity as more valuable than Buddhism. The preface puts the speech into its context: Otto’s relationship to and his knowledge of Buddhism (1), the history of publication of this speech (2), Otto’s specific view on Buddhism in comparison to his contemporaries (3), the meaning of this speech in his œuvre (4) and explanations about the edition (5). The editor has the opinion, that this speech is an important transition from Ottos philosophy of religion to his main work The Idea of the Holy. It further is a good example of what Otto means when speaking about the comparison of religions.
Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics of dyes adsorption onto modified chitosan: a review
Authors: Kausar Abida , Naeem Kashaf , Iqbal Munawar , Nazli Zill-i-Huma , Bhatti Haq N. , Ashraf Aisha , Nazir Arif , Kusuma Heri S. , Khan Muhammad I.
Published: February 2021

In view of promising sorption capacity, stability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendly nature, regeneration and recycling ability, the chitosan (CS) based adsorbents are highly efficient for the sequestration of dyes. Since CS offers variable chemical structures and CS have been modified by incorporating different moieties. The CS composites with unique properties have been employed successfully for dye adsorption with reasonably high adsorption capacity versus other similar adsorbents. Modifications of CS were promising for the preparation of composites that are extensively studied for their adsorption capacities for various dyes. This review highlights the CS and its modification and their applications for the adsorption of dyes. The removal capacities of CS-based adsorbents, equilibrium modeling, kinetics studies and the thermodynamic characteristics are reported. Moreover, the FTIR, BET, SEM, TGA and XRD were employed for the characterization of CS modified adsorbents are also discussed. Results revealed that the modified CS is highly efficient and can be employed for the sequestration of dyes from effluents.
Response of Lower Sacramento River phytoplankton to high-ammonium wastewater effluent
Authors: Strong Aaron L. , Mills Matthew M. , Huang Ivy B. , van Dijken Gert L. , Driscoll Sara E. , Berg G. Mine , Kudela Raphael M. , Monismith Stephen G. , Francis Christopher A. , Arrigo Kevin R.
Published: February 2021

Since the 1980s, the San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem has experienced large declines in primary production. Hypothesized reasons for this decline include (1) suppression of nitrate (NO3−) uptake, and thus phytoplankton growth, due to high concentrations of ammonium (NH4+), and (2) wastewater NH4+-induced changes in phytoplankton community composition away from large-celled diatoms. These twin hypotheses implicate NH4+ loading from the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent outfall in explaining declines in primary production in the region. They have been controversial within the water resources management community and have stimulated a lengthy public scientific and regulatory debate. Here, in an effort to resolve this debate, we present results from a 48-h incubation experiment with surface water from both upstream and downstream of the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent outfall, a major source of NH4+ loading to the ecosystem. We amended this water with either NH4+, NO3−, or full wastewater effluent. All assays were incubated under high light (52% of incident irradiance) or low light (6% of incident irradiance). NO3− uptake rates were suppressed to near zero in all treatments with either added NH4+, added wastewater effluent, or high in situ NH4+ concentrations. Yet, phytoplankton uniformly grew well on all dissolved inorganic nitrogen sources, including effluent and NH4+. Diatom species were the most abundant taxa at all stations, and diatom cell abundances increased at greater rates than all other taxa over the course of the experiment. Among all treatments, the light treatment had the greatest effects on chlorophyll a accumulation and phytoplankton growth rates. Our results suggest that high NH4+ loading is not a driver of the lower productivity in the San Francisco Bay Delta. Although phytoplankton preferred NH4+ to NO3− when both were available in our experiment, the form of dissolved inorganic nitrogen had no effect on growth rates or species composition.
Sex differences in the prevalence of obesity in 800,000 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lv Fang , Cai Xiaoling , Lin Chu , Hong Tianpei , Zhang Xiaomei , Wang Zhufeng , Xing Huifang , Zong Guizhi , Lu Juming , Guo Xiaohui , Wu Jing , Gao Leili , Zhou Xianghai , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong
Published: February 2021

Aims

To estimate the sex differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity aged 20–89 in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

811,264 patients with T2D from six hospital-based, cross-sectional studies, and 46,053 subjects from the general population were included in our analysis. Prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity were calculated in each sex.

Results

In patients with T2D, the standardized prevalence of underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), overweight (24 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m2), and general obesity (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) were 2.2%, 43.2%, and 11.6%, respectively. Similar trend patterns of the prevalence of underweight and overweight were observed in general and T2D population, in males and females with T2D (all P for trend <0.01). In patients with T2D, patients at a younger age and older age were more likely to be underweight. The prevalence of overweight increased first, then stabilized or decreased with age. However, different trend patterns of the prevalence of obesity in males and females were found. In males, the prevalence of obesity decreased first, and then stabilized after 60 years of age. In females, the prevalence of obesity decreased first, then increased after 50 years of age. In the general population, the prevalence of obesity increased with age in females, while, the trend of prevalence of obesity with age in males was not obvious.

Conclusion

Different trends in the prevalence of obesity with age in different sex were found in Chinese patients with T2D.
Androgens impair β-cell function in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhu Bo , Chen Yumei , Xu Fang , Shen Xiaolu , Chen Xuanyu , Lv Jieqiang , Zhang Songying
Published: February 2021

Background

Androgens excess results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is an important cause of β cells dysfunction. Here, we investigated the molecular regulation of androgens excess, ER stress, and β-cell function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

PCOS mouse model was established by injection of DHEA. Primary cultured mouse islets were used to detect testosterone (TE)-induced ER stress. The response of ER stress, apoptosis, and hyperinsulinemia were analyzed in INS-1 cells with or without TE exposure. Androgen receptor (AR) antagonist and ER stress inhibitor treatment was performed to evaluate the role of TE in ER stress and proinsulin secretion of PCOS mice.

Results

PCOS mice had higher ER stress in islets. TE exposure induced ER stress and apoptosis significantly through sustaining insulin overexpression in β cells, which in turn impaired proinsulin maturation and secretion. Blocking this process could significantly relieve ER stress and apoptosis and improve insulin homeostasis.

Conclusion

ER stress activated by androgens excess in PCOS contributes to β cell dysfunction and hyperinsulinemia.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Impacts of paternal environment and lifestyle on maternal health during pregnancy
Authors: Khoshkerdar Afsaneh , Eryasar Ece , Morgan Hannah L , Watkins Adam J
Published: February 2021

Pregnancy represents a time of dramatic physiological adaptation by the mother in which dramatic changes in maternal cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems occur. These adaptations, initiated from the earliest stages of gestation, are crucial for the implantation and continued development of the embryo, the establishment of the placenta and the growth of the fetus. Impairments in the normal adaptation of the maternal cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems underlie the aetiology of gestational disorders such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Studies have shown that the development of such gestational complications not only affects the well-being of the mother but also the short- and long-term health of her offspring. While the connection between maternal lifestyle factors and the development of gestational disorders such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes has been studied in detail, the link between a father’s lifestyle and the well-being of the mother during pregnancy has received less attention. In this review, we will explore the evidence that a range of paternal factors, such as age and diet, at the time of conception can not only affect the development of his offspring, but also the well-being of the mother during pregnancy. In addition, we will examine the sperm- and seminal plasma-specific mechanisms that connect the health of the father with that of the mother and his offspring.