bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspension polymerization of 2‐pyrrolidone in the presence of CO2 and organic promoters
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Chengcheng , Zhao Liming , Wang Lejun , Qiu Yongjun
Published: August 2020

Polybutyrolactam (PBL), known as polyamide 4 with high performance, was synthesized using CO2 by combining organic promoters in suspension to overcome the limitations of traditional bulk polymerization and improve the thermal stability. Upon increasing the amount of paraffin oil or sodium dodecyl sulfate, which proved to be the most suitable medium and dispersant, or increasing the concentration of alkaline catalyst and CO2, or the rate of stirring, the inherent viscosity increased first and then decreased, while the yield did not follow the same trend. Adding 18‐crown‐6 ether greatly increased the yield but decreased the inherent viscosity, contrary to the trend that was reported for bulk polymerization. The yield and inherent viscosity both increased with increasing concentration of tetramethyl ammonium chloride. PBL particles were loosely structured and presented improved thermal stability compared with any other report on suspension polymerization. This study provides a promising method to produce PBL with high performance on a large scale.
Die Schlossküche, in der die DNA entdeckt wurde
Authors: Theß Andreas , Dahm Ralf
Published: August 2020

Die DNA als Trägerin der Erbinformation ist wohl das bekannteste Biomolekül. Weitgehend vergessen ist jedoch ihr Entdecker: Friedrich Miescher reinigte die DNA bereits 1869 aus Zellkernen auf. Der Ort des Geschehens: Ein Labor in der einstigen Küche des Schlosses Hohentübingen.
Naso‐pharyngeal discharge: The first symptom of COVID‐19 infection: Report two cases from Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Taghizadeh Hassan
Published: August 2020

Naso‐pharyngeal discharge as the first symptom of COVID‐19 infection is presented in two cases. Actually, based on the presented cases here we concluded that the early clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 may be mimicked the common cold features. Appropriate diagnosis and isolation of the patients help reduce further transmission.
Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma mimicking arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Litaiem Noureddine , Tabka Mariam , Nefiss Mouadh , Slouma Maroua , Ben Slama Sana , Zeglaoui Faten
Published: August 2020

There is a clinical overlap between hypervascularized sarcomas and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). MRI imaging should be interpreted with caution keeping in mind that some cancers could mimic AVM. A biopsy is mandatory in doubtful cases.
Targeting Endocannabinoid Metabolism: an Arrow with Multiple Tips Against Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Maramai Samuele , Brindisi Margherita
Published: August 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease of the central nervous system. At present, there is no definitive cure, and the few available disease‐modifying options display either poor efficacy or life‐threatening side effects. There is clear evidence that relapsing‐remitting clinical attacks in MS are driven by inflammatory demyelination and that the subsequent disease steps, being irresponsive to immunotherapy, result from neurodegeneration. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) stands halfway between three key pathomechanisms underlying MS, namely inflammation, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress, thus representing a kingpin for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in MS. This review summarizes the current state of the art in the field of endocannabinoid metabolism modulators and their in vivo effects on relevant animal models. We also highlight key molecular underpinnings of their therapeutic efficacy as well as the potential to turn them into promising clinical candidates.
Improved CE(SDS)‐CZE‐MS method utilizing an 8‐port nanoliter valve
Authors: Römer Jennifer , Kiessig Steffen , Moritz Bernd , Neusüß Christian
Published: August 2020

Capillary sieving electrophoresis utilizing SDS (CE(SDS)) is one of the most applied methods for the analysis of antibody (mAb) size heterogeneity in the biopharmaceutical industry. Inadequate peak identification of observed protein fragments is still a major issue. In a recent publication, we introduced an electrophoretic 2D system, enabling online mass spectrometric detection of generic CE(SDS) separated peaks and identification of several mAb fragments. However, an improvement regarding system stability and handling of the approach was desired. Here, we introduce a novel 8‐port valve in conjunction with an optimized decomplexation strategy. The valve contains four sample loops with increased distances between the separation dimensions. Thus, successively coinjection of solvent and cationic surfactant without any additional detector in the second dimension is enabled, simplifying the decomplexation strategy. Removal efficiency was optimized by testing different volumes of solvents as presample and cationic surfactant as postsample zone. 2D measurements of the light and heavy chain of the reduced NIST mAb with the 8‐port valve and the optimized decomplexation strategy demonstrates the increased robustness of the system. The presented novel set‐up is a step toward routine application of CE(SDS)‐CZE‐MS for impurity characterization of proteins in the biopharmaceutical field.
Cosmetic outcomes following transoral versus transcervical thyroidectomy
Authors: Chen Lena W. , Razavi Christopher R. , Hong Hanna , Fondong Akeweh , Ranganath Rohit , Khatri Surya , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Mathur Aarti , Ishii Masaru , Nellis Jason , Shaear Mohammad , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O.
Published: August 2020

Background

Central neck scars following thyroidectomy can negatively impact patient quality of life. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy can reduce postoperative cosmetic burden.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of patients seen between June 2018 and January 2019. Scar cosmesis was determined using the validated Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measuring color, contour, and irregularity.

Results

Eighty‐one patients (80% female, mean age 43.7 years) were analyzed, with 60% and 40% receiving transcervical and transoral thyroidectomy. Median time from surgery was 3.4 (range: 1‐37.1) weeks. Mean SCAR score was greater for transcervical recipients (4.69 vs transoral 0.99, P < .001), indicating worse cosmesis. Mean surgeon‐rated total VAS score was similarly increased for transcervical recipients (72.84 vs transoral 16.73, P < .001). Interrater reliability for both SCAR and total VAS scores was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90‐0.95 for both).

Conclusion

Transoral thyroidectomy provides significantly enhanced early cosmesis over the transcervical approach.
Financial development and health expenditure nexus: A global perspective
Authors: Rana Rezwanul Hasan , Alam Khorshed , Gow Jeff
Published: August 2020

Empirical studies have established that financial development is an essential element of economic growth. It has also been established that rising national income has a positive impact on healthcare expenditure. Therefore, an empirical question is whether financial development increases healthcare expenditure for countries at all income levels. This paper examines the relationship between the level of financial development and healthcare expenditure from a global perspective for countries at different income levels for the period of 1995–2014. Common correlated effects mean group approach was employed to account for unobserved heterogeneity and cross‐section dependence in the large panel dataset of 159 countries. Additionally, mean group and fixed‐effects estimation approaches were used to measure the robustness of the relationship. The association was tested at different levels by sub‐grouping countries based on their income. The results indicate that the relationship between financial development and health expenditure is positive and significant. However, the results fluctuate considerably across income levels. The association becomes trivial when income levels rise, with low‐income countries showing stronger correlations. Rising incomes and public health expenditure, foster increasing expenditure on health more in countries with a lower level of corruption. Lastly, the statistical outcomes observed are subject to the choice of estimation techniques. Development in the financial sector influences per capita health expenditure positively, however, the association is more prominent for lower‐income countries. Policies are proposed to direct the gains from financial development towards healthcare to maximize society's welfare.
Process, outcome, and impact evaluation of the ohio state university DentPath postbaccalaurate program
Authors: Bean Canise Y. , Partido Brian B. , Kestner Sue , Hamamoto Darryl T. , Lloyd Patrick M.
Published: August 2020

Despite the progress in increasing racial and ethnic diversity in dental school programs in the United States, minority dental students still remain underrepresented when compared with the total population. As a result, dental education programs have been attempting to increase the number of students from underrepresented and underserved communities in their programs.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct process, outcome, and impact evaluations of the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Dentistry's (CoDs) DentPath Program.

Methods

Upon Institutional Review Board approval, this study utilized a computer‐assisted telephone interview research design of graduates from the OSU CoD DentPath Program. Forty closed and open‐ended questions were asked during the structured interview. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results

The data from 25 eligible graduates were analyzed, which represented a 100% response rate. Process evaluation revealed 100% (n = 25) of the participants expressed satisfaction with their DentPath experiences and recommendations for improvement were provided. Outcome evaluation revealed the participants treated patients using Medicaid (range: 20%–90%, n = 5) or a sliding scale (range: 5%–85%, n = 3) for payment and 36% (n = 9) of the participants regularly treated underserved populations outside of their regular practice settings. Impact evaluation revealed 68% (n = 17) participants reported the DentPath Program had no impact on their practice location.

Conclusions

Future research is needed to determine methods to promote the transition of DentPath students through dental school and into underserved communities.
Morphogenesis of the Balbiani body in developing oocytes of an orthopteran, Metrioptera brachyptera, and multiplication of female germline mitochondria
Authors: Sekula Malgorzata , Tworzydlo Waclaw , Bilinski Szczepan M.
Published: August 2020

Balbiani body (Bb) is a female germline specific organelle complex. Although the morphology and morphogenesis of the Bb have been analyzed in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species, the role and ultimate fate of this organelle assemblage are still under debate. As a result, various functions have been attributed to the Bb in given animal lineages or even species. Our analyses showed that in the bush cricket, Metrioptera brachyptera, the Bb is an elaborate and highly dynamic structure positioned at one side of the oocyte nucleus. It forms in early previtellogenic oocytes and consists of two compartments: perinuclear and cytoplasmic. In the cytoplasmic compartment, characteristic complexes of nuage and polymorphous mitochondria are present. Computer‐aided 3D reconstructions revealed that mitochondria clustered around neighboring nuage accumulations remain in a physical contact and form an extensive, though dispersed network. As oogenesis progresses, nuage/mitochondria complexes are partitioned into progressively smaller entities that become separated from each other. Concurrently, the mitochondrial network splits into small individual mitochondria populating the whole ooplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the latter process involves dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1). Collectively, our findings suggest that in basal insect species, the Bb might be responsible for the selection as well as multiplication of the oocyte mitochondria.
A SPICE model of p‐channel silicon tunneling field‐effect transistors for logic applications
Authors: Woo Sola , Jeon Juhee , Kim Sangsig
Published: August 2020

In this study, we propose a SPICE model of p‐channel silicon tunneling field‐effect transistors (TFETs) for logic applications. To verify our model, electrical characteristics of fabricated p‐TFETs are calibrated by utilizing TCAD and SPICE simulations. We simulate various logic gates, such as complementary TFET (c‐TFET) inverters, c‐TFET NAND gates, and c‐TFET NOR gates using our TFET model. Our simulation shows that a c‐TFET inverter can be operated at VDD as low as 0.3 V and that c‐TFET logic gates based on our model can operate ~1000 times higher frequency than conventional TFET logic gates.
Optical fiber temperature sensor with insensitive refractive index and strain based on phase demodulation
Authors: Nan Tong , Liu Bo , Wu Yongfeng , Wang Junfeng , Mao Yaya , Zhao Lilong , Sun Tingting , Wang Jin
Published: August 2020

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a temperature sensor based on a suspended‐core microstructure optical fiber (SCMF). The sensor is constructed by fusion splicing a piece of SCMF between two up‐tapers which act as light beam couplers. The Mach‐Zehnder interference (MZI) is formed by the silica core modes and the air cladding modes in the SCMF. The sensitivity of −0.011 rad/°C in the temperature range of 20°C to 90°C is achieved, which is more accurate and stable than conventional wavelength tracking method due to the phase demodulation method can avoid the effects of spectral noise, dip selection, and wavelength sampling rate on the wavelength tracking. In addition, our proposed sensor is inert to external environments such as strain and refractive index, which can well solve the problem of crosstalk during temperature sensing.
Passive needle guide tracking with radial acquisition and phase‐only cross‐correlation
Authors: Reichert Andreas , Reiss Simon , Krafft Axel Joachim , Bock Michael
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Acceleration of a passive tracking sequence based on phase‐only cross‐correlation (POCC) using radial undersampling.

Methods

The phase‐only cross‐correlation (POCC) algorithm allows passive tracking of interventional instruments in real‐time. In a POCC sequence, two cross‐sectional images of a needle guide with a positive MR contrast are continuously acquired from which the instrument trajectory is calculated. Conventional Cartesian imaging for tracking is very time consuming; here, a higher temporal resolution is achieved using a highly undersampled radial acquisition together with a modified POCC algorithm that incorporates the point‐spread‐function. Targeting and needle insertion is performed in two phantom experiments with 16 fiducial targets, each using 4 and 16 radial projections for passive tracking. Additionally, targeting of eight deep lying basivertebral veins in the lumbar spines is performed for in vivo proof‐of‐application with four radial projections for needle guide tracking.

Results

The radially undersampled POCC sequence yielded in the phantom experiments a lateral targeting accuracy of 1.1 ± 0.4 mm and 1.0 ± 0.5 mm for 16 and 4 radial projections, respectively, without any statistically significant difference. In the in vivo application, a mean targeting duration of 62 ± 13 s was measured.

Conclusion

Radial undersampling can drastically reduce the acquisition time for passive tracking in a POCC sequences for MR‐guided needle interventions without compromising the targeting accuracy.
Evaluation of the effect of Silybum marianum extract on menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Saberi Zohreh , Gorji Narjes , Memariani Zahra , Moeini Reihaneh , Shirafkan Hoda , Amiri Mania
Published: August 2020

The tendency to use herbs to manage menopausal symptoms has increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Silybum marianum (L.) compared with placebo in women with hot flashes. Eighty women were randomly allocated into two equal groups (S. marianum extract [400 mg/d] or placebo capsules). Hot flashes frequency and severity were evaluated in 12 weeks with the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). The data were analyzed in SPSS software using t‐test, Mann–Whitney, chi‐square test and repeated measure analysis. Hot flashes frequency and severity decreased from 4.32 ± 0.20/day to 1.31 ± 0.15/day and from 5.25 ± 0.22 to 1.62 ± 0.08, respectively, during the study in test group (p < .001) which were significantly better than effects of placebo in all steps of study (p < .001). Significant decreases in GCS and HFRDIS scores were also detected in S. marianum group compared with placebo after 4, 8 and 12 weeks (p < .001). The results showed that S. marianum can decrease frequency and severity of hot flashes significantly. Considering the safety and high consumption of this herbal medicine worldwide, its use in women with menopausal symptoms can be helpful.
Domain recurrence and probabilistic analysis of residence time of stochastic systems and domain aiming control
Authors: Yin Juliang , Ding Deng , Khoo Suiyang
Published: August 2020

The problem of domain aiming control is formulated for a controlled stochastic nonlinear system, which involves regularity of the solution to the resulting closed‐loop stochastic system. To begin with, an extended existence and uniqueness theorem for stochastic differential equations with local Lipschitz coefficients is proven by using a Lyapunov‐type function. A Lyapunov‐based sufficient condition on nonregularity is also given. The notions of domain recurrence and residence time for stochastic nonlinear systems are introduced, and various criteria for the recurrence and nonrecurrence relative to a bounded open domain or an unbounded domain are provided. Furthermore, upper bounds of expectation and moment‐generating function of the residence time are derived. In particular, a connection between the mean residence time and a Dirichlet problem is investigated and illustrated with a numerical example. Finally, the problem of domain aiming control is considered for certain types of nonlinear and linear stochastic systems. Several examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Physico‐chemical processes
Authors: Yu Xiaoxuan , Tang Yao , Pan Jian , Shen Lin , Begum Afruza , Gong Zhanyang , Xue Jinkai
Published: August 2020

By summarizing 187 relevant research articles published in 2019, the review is focused on the research progress of physicochemical processes for wastewater treatment. This review divides into two sections, physical processes and chemical processes. The physical processes section includes three sub‐sections, that is, adsorption, granular filtration, and dissolved air flotation, whereas the chemical processes section has five sub‐sections, that is, coagulation/flocculation, advanced oxidation processes, electrochemical, capacitive deionization, and ion exchange.

Practitioner points

Totally 187 research articles on wastewater treatment have been reviewed and discussed.

The review has two major sections with eight sub‐topics.
Socioeconomic differences in the risk of childhood central nervous system tumors in Denmark: a nationwide register-based case–control study
Authors: Erdmann Friederike , Hvidtfeldt Ulla Arthur , Sørensen Mette , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Differences in the risk of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors by socioeconomic status (SES) may enhance etiologic insights. We conducted a nationwide register-based case–control study to evaluate socioeconomic differences in the risk of childhood CNS tumors in Denmark and examined whether associations varied by different SES measures, time points of assessment, specific tumor types, and age at diagnosis.

Methods

We identified all children born between 1981 and 2013 and diagnosed with a CNS tumor at ages 0–19 years (n = 1,273) from the Danish Cancer Registry and sampled four individually matched controls per case (n  = 5,086). We used conditional logistic regression models to estimate associations with individual-level and neighborhood-level socioeconomic measures.

Results

We observed elevated risks of ependymoma and embryonal CNS tumors in association with higher parental education (odds ratios (ORs) of 1.6–2.1 for maternal or paternal high education and ependymoma) and higher risk of all tumor types in association with higher maternal income, e.g., OR  1.93; 95% CI 1.05–3.52 for high versus low income for astrocytoma and other gliomas. Associations were often stronger in children diagnosed at ages 5–19 years. We found little evidence for an association with neighborhood SES.

Conclusion

This large nationwide register study with minimal risk of bias showed that having parents with higher educational level and a mother with higher income was associated with a higher risk of childhood CNS tumors. Bias or under-ascertainment of cases among families with low income or basic education is unlikely to explain our findings.
Learning about climate change in, with and through art
Authors: Bentz Julia
Published: August 2020

Effective strategies to learn about and engage with climate change play an important role in addressing this challenge. There is a growing recognition that education needs to change in order to address climate change, yet the question remains “how?” How does one engage young people with a topic that is perceived as abstract, distant, and complex, and which at the same time is contributing to growing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety among them? In this paper, I argue that although the important contributions that the arts and humanities can make to this challenge are widely discussed, they remain an untapped or underutilized potential. I then present a novel framework and demonstrate its use in schools. Findings from a high school in Portugal point to the central place that art can play in climate change education and engagement more general, with avenues for greater depth of learning and transformative potential. The paper provides guidance for involvement in, with, and through art and makes suggestions to create links between disciplines to support meaning-making, create new images, and metaphors and bring in a wider solution space for climate change. Going beyond the stereotypes of art as communication and mainstream climate change education, it offers teachers, facilitators, and researchers a wider portfolio for climate change engagement that makes use of the multiple potentials of the arts.
Product-requirement-model to approach the identification of uncertainties in battery systems development
Authors: Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim , Haunreiter Andreas , Davids Henning , Klohs Domenic
Published: August 2020

Electric mobility is on the verge of becoming a mass market. Major automotive OEMs have initiated programs to electrify their product portfolio. This transition poses new challenges and requires new innovative concepts in automotive development processes, especially for battery systems as the key component within electric powertrains. Battery system costs account for up to 40% of the electric vehicle’s total costs. Additionally, development cycles of battery systems for automotive applications are characterized by long development periods. Hence, the initiatives to advance electrification result in numerous development projects affiliated with significant development expenses. Battery systems can be referred to as mechatronic and electrochemical systems. They require a complex interaction of diverse scientific and engineering disciplines. Fast innovation cycles have effects regarding product requirements and assumptions towards their allocation. Hereby, uncertainties can lead to risks within development projects, especially in terms of time and costs. In current development processes, necessary changes are only dealt with reactively, causing unplanned additional expenses and delays. Thus, there is need for handling potential changes proactively, i.e. managing uncertainties leading to those changes as early as possible. New methods are necessary to identify and handle uncertainties of complex product systems within requirements engineering. An approach towards comprehensive uncertainty management is taken within this publication.
Evaluation of the Cradle to Kinder programme for Aboriginal mothers and their children: perspectives from the women and their workers
Authors: O’Donnell Renée , Bamblett Muriel , Johnson Gabrielle , Hunter Sue-Anne , Stringer Kerry , Croisdale Shantai , Pizzirani Bengianni , Ayton Darshini , Savaglio Melissa , Skouteris Helen
Published: August 2020

This research was undertaken on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to Elders of the past, present and emerging, and also acknowledge the generous contribution to this research made by women and their families and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) staff. Aboriginal Cradle to Kinder (AC2K) is a home-visiting and advocacy programme focussed on promoting Aboriginal maternal and child health during both pre- and postnatal stages of parenthood which was delivered by VACCA, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. While there have been some feasibility assessments conducted on AC2K, no study to date has evaluated the impact of this programme from the perspective of neither the women nor the staff who deliver the programme. The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate how both the women and the staff evaluated the AC2K programme, namely the strengths, limitations and recommendations of the programme. Through consultation with VACCA, this study used a qualitative approach using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the processes underpinning the programme coupled with participants’ experiences of the programme. A co-design process was used in the development of interview questions, and a total of seven women and six workers participated in semi-structured interviews. The results revealed three superordinate themes across both participant groups: cultural connection (i.e. how well the programme facilitates cultural connection), system complexities (i.e. caseloads, staff turnover and child protection [CP] difficulties) and programme features (i.e. parenting enhancement and unique programme benefits). The processes, and the programme more broadly, were evaluated positively by both the women and staff who supported its delivery. Specifically, a greater connection to culture, increased parenting skills and unique programme benefits were reported. However, there were recommendations on how the programme could be further strengthened, including negotiable caseloads with the Department and improved partnership with CP. These changes can help to further improve the experiences of both the women and their workers when engaging in Aboriginal specific maternal health and well-being supports.
Emergency management in fever clinic during the outbreak of COVID-19: an experience from Zhuhai
Authors: Jiang H. , Liu J.W. , Ren N. , He R. , Li M.Q. , Dong Q.C.
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health threat. A hospital in Zhuhai adopted several measures in Fever Clinic Management (FCM) to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. FCM has been proved to be effective in preventing nosocomial cross infection. Faced with the emergency, the hospital undertook creative operational steps in relation to the control and spread of COVID-19, with special focuses on physical and administrative layout of buildings, staff training and preventative procedures. The first operational step was to set up triaging stations at all entrances and then complete a standard and qualified fever clinic, which was isolated from the other buildings within our hospital complex. Secondly, the hospital established its human resource reservation for emergency response and the allocation of human resources to ensure strict and standardised training methods through the hospital for all medical staff and ancillary employees. Thirdly, the hospital divided the fever clinic into partitioned areas and adapted a three-level triaging system. The experiences shared in this paper would be of practical help for the facilities that are encountering or will encounter the challenges of COVID-19, i.e. to prevent nosocomial cross infection among patients and physicians.
Long-term outcomes of patients with primary or residual vestibular schwannoma treated with LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery: a single-centre experience
Authors: Sebastian Patricia , John Subhashini , Reddy Jebakarunya , Varghese Sunitha Susan , Vanjare Harshad Arvind , Moorthy Ranjith K. , Prabhu Krishna , Yadav Bijesh
Published: August 2020

Aim:

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign slow-growing tumours treated either with microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or both. The aim of this study was to correlate the outcome factors—tumour control and adverse factors—facial nerve function and hearing loss with patient and treatment factors.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review of the records of 98 patients with 99 VS treated from June 2007 to June 2014, all patients receiving Linear Accelerator (LINAC)-based SRS.

Results:

Median follow-up period was 5·6 years (range: 1–12 years). The response to treatment was stable disease in 37 (37·4%), regression in 46 (46·5%), asymptomatic minimal progression in 9 (9·1%) and symptomatic progression in 5 (5%) and unknown in 2 (2%) patients. There was no evidence of SRS induced tissue damage on magnetic resonance scans for any. Hearing preservation rate after SRS was 92%. The patients who developed worsening of facial function were predominantly in the cohort that had prior surgery.

Findings:

SRS is an effective modality to treat VS lesser than 3 cm in size. Tumour control rate was 95% with a median follow-up period of 5·6 years. The complication rates were 8% each for facial function worsening and worsening of hearing. Prior surgery was a statistically significant factor that affected facial nerve function deterioration.
Referendums in the UK Constitution: Authority, Sovereignty and Democracy after Brexit
Authors: Gordon Michael
Published: August 2020

UK constitution after Brexit – Status of referendums – Use and reception of referendums in the UK – Absence of definitive constitutional framework – Complex legal nature of ‘advisory’ and ‘binding’ referendums – Deeper constitutional impact on concepts in the political constitution – Regular and irregular authority – Parliamentary and popular sovereignty – Representative and direct democracy – Possibility of reform – A potential UK Referendums Act – Difficulties with an overarching statutory framework – Limitations of continued constitutional accommodation of referendums
Bacterial motility enhances adhesion to oil droplets
Authors: Dewangan Narendra K. , Conrad Jacinta C.
Published: August 2020

Adhesion of marine bacteria onto the oil–water interface is enhanced by motility.
Preoperative vascular surgery model using a single polymer tough hydrogel with controllable elastic moduli
Authors: Ballance William C. , Karthikeyan Vignesh , Oh Inkyu , Qin Ellen C. , Seo Yongbeom , Spearman-White Tremaan , Bashir Rashid , Hu Yuhang , Phillips Heidi , Kong Hyunjoon
Published: August 2020

Polyacrylamide hydrogel composition can be tuned to result in tough, soft, and sutureable vascular models.
The role of protein arginine methyltransferases in kidney diseases
Authors: Zhang Chunyun , Zhuang Shougang
Published: August 2020

The methylation of arginine residues by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is a crucial post-translational modification for many biological processes, including DNA repair, RNA processing, and transduction of intra- and extracellular signaling. Previous studies have reported that PRMTs are extensively involved in various pathologic states, including cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress reaction. However, the role of PRMTs has not been well described in kidney diseases. Recent studies have shown that aberrant function of PRMTs and its metabolic products—symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)—are involved in several renal pathological processes, including renal fibrosis, acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertension, graft rejection and renal tumors. We aim in this review to elucidate the possible roles of PRMTs in normal renal function and various kidney diseases.
Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists and School Counselors on the Nature and Treatment of Selective Mutism
Authors: Frazier Kimberly F. , Howard Kelsey
Published: August 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the preferred practice guidelines of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and school counselors on treating selective mutism (SM) and how families are involved in the intervention process.

Method

Two hundred one SLPs and school counselors took part in this study. A grounded theory approach was used to develop a brief online survey that included 10 multiple-response items and three questions allowing participants to provide write-in responses.

Results

Generally, both SLPs and school counselors agreed with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's preferred practice guidelines on treating SM, with behavioral therapies selected most frequently as the treatment of choice, and participants almost unanimously agreed that family inclusion was “very important.”

Conclusion

This research sheds light on how professionals who work with children with SM include parents in the therapy process and their preferred intervention techniques used.
1200 V buried gate fin p‐body IGBT with ultralow on‐state voltage and good short circuit capability
Authors: Lu Jiang , Liu Jiawei , Tian Xiaoli , Chen Hong , Bai Yun , Liang Fei , Liu Xinyu
Published: August 2020

A buried gate fin p‐body insulated gate bipolar transistor (BG‐Fin‐P IGBT) is proposed to achieve ultralow on‐state voltage drop (V CE(sat) ) and good short‐circuit (SC) ruggedness simultaneously. A buried gate is introduced at the bottom part of the fin structure, forming a local region with the nanoscale mesa width, which enhances the conductivity modulation effectively. Meanwhile, a relatively wide mesa width (>0.5 μm) can be adopted at the main fin structure to maintain a good SC capability. Compared to the previously reported ultra‐narrow‐mesas fin p‐body IGBT, simulation results reveal that the V CE(sat) of the BG‐Fin‐P IGBT is reduced from 1.39 to 1.03 V at the current density of 100 A/cm2 without SC ability degradation. Meanwhile, more than 10 μs short circuit withstand time is enabled at the junction temperature of 423 K for all structures. Moreover, the proposed structure can avoid a fabrication difficulty of the emitter contact when a very narrow mesa width (∼30 nm) is required to achieve the ultralow V CE(sat), which brings design freedom on the device's structure.
Face identification using millimetre‐wave radar sensor data
Authors: Kim J. , Lee J.‐E. , Lim H.‐S. , Lee S.
Published: August 2020

In this Letter, the authors propose a face identification method using radar sensor data. They use a frequency‐modulated continuous wave radar sensor that utilises a centre frequency of 61 GHz and a bandwidth of 6 GHz. Then, they accumulate radar data by transmitting and receiving radar signals on human faces. Finally, they use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to distinguish radar signals reflected from different human faces. In this network, signals received from multiple antenna elements are synthesised in parallel to make the radar signals into an image that is the input form of the CNN. The accuracy of face recognition through the CNN is . In addition, they also collect radar data when the same subjects wear cotton masks. Within their entire dataset, wearing a mask does not significantly affect the accuracy of the radar‐based face recognition method.
Tighter bound functions for nonconvex functions over simplexes
Authors: Mohand Ouanes
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we propose new lower and upper bound functions which can be used in computing a range of nonconvex functions over simplexes of Rn, or for solving global optimization problems over simplexes. We show that the new bounding functions are tighter than the classical bounding functions developed in the αBB method and the QBB method.
A PASE Approach to the Synthesis of Benzimidazopurines as Polycondensed Purine Derivatives
Authors: Fedotov Victor V. , Ulomsky Evgeny N. , Savateev Konstantin V. , Mukhin Evgeny M. , Gazizov Denis A. , Gorbunov Evgeny B. , Rusinov Vladimir L.
Published: August 2020

A highly efficient PASE approach to a new class of polycyclic purine derivatives has been proposed. The strategy includes a consecutive reduction, auto-aromatization, and heterocyclization of the initial nitrobenzimidazopyrimidines obtained by a three-component condensation. It was shown that reduction of nitrobenzimidazopyrimidines by metals in acidic media was more efficient than heterogeneous hydro­genation. Novel derivatives of benz[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]purines were obtained­ in good yields and the proposed structure was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The obtained convergent benzimidazopurines combine two relevant medicinal chemistry scaffolds – benz­imidazole and purine.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Therapy for Sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Byrnes Declan , Masterson Claire H. , Artigas Antonio , Laffey John G.
Published: August 2020

Sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) constitute devastating conditions with high morbidity and mortality. Sepsis results from abnormal host immune response, with evidence for both pro- and anti-inflammatory activation present from the earliest phases. The “proinflammatory” response predominates initially causing host injury, with later-phase sepsis characterized by immune cell hypofunction and opportunistic superinfection. ARDS is characterized by inflammation and disruption of the alveolar-capillary membrane leading to injury and lung dysfunction. Sepsis is the most common cause of ARDS. Approximately 20% of deaths worldwide in 2017 were due to sepsis, while ARDS occurs in over 10% of all intensive care unit patients and results in a mortality of 30 to 45%. Given the fact that sepsis and ARDS share some—but not all—underlying pathophysiologic injury mechanisms, the lack of specific therapies, and their frequent coexistence in the critically ill, it makes sense to consider therapies for both conditions together. In this article, we will focus on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs are available from several tissues, including bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue. Allogeneic administration is feasible, an important advantage for acute conditions like sepsis or ARDS. They possess diverse mechanisms of action of relevance to sepsis and ARDS, including direct and indirect antibacterial actions, potent effects on the innate and adaptive response, and pro-reparative effects. MSCs can be preactivated thereby potentiating their effects, while the use of their extracellular vesicles can avoid whole cell administration. While early-phase clinical trials suggest safety, considerable challenges exist in moving forward to phase III efficacy studies, and to implementation as a therapy should they prove effective.
How fluxional reactants limit the accuracy/efficiency of infrequent metadynamics
Authors: Khan Salman A. , Dickson Bradley M. , Peters Baron
Published: August 2020

In an infrequent metadynamics (iMetaD) simulation, a well-tempered metadynamics bias accumulates in the reactant basin, accelerating escapes to the product state. Like the earlier hyperdynamics strategy, iMetaD enables estimates of the unbiased escape rates. However, iMetaD applies the bias to visited locations in a collective variable (CV) space, not to the more specific visited locations in a full configuration space as done in hyperdynamics. This difference makes rate estimates from iMetaD sensitive to the choice of CVs, to parameters that control the bias deposition rate, and to the preparation of the initial state within the reactant basin. This paper uses an extremely simple discrete state model to illustrate complications that can arise in systems that exhibit fluxional transitions between sub-basins of the reactant state. Specifically, we show how the reactant-to-product escape time and relaxation times within the reactant basin(s) impose bounds on the admissible parameter choices for an iMetaD calculation. Predictions from the discrete state model are validated by iMetaD simulations on a corresponding two-dimensional potential energy surface.
Calculating the temperature of strongly radiative shocks
Authors: Mabey Paul , Michel Thibault , Albertazzi Bruno , Falize Emeric , Charpentier Nicolas , Koenig Michel
Published: August 2020

A new method of calculating the temperature of strongly radiative shocks (Mihalas number of order unity or lower) is proposed. By including ionization, radiative energy, and radiative flux terms in the Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions across the shock front, a new, self-consistent method of calculating the temperature of radiative shocks is developed. The method is compared to those used to calculate temperature in previous studies using similar methods, including those which partially included radiative and/or ionization effects. The method is also compared to experimental data, taken from the literature, as well as the SESAME equation of state tables and radiative hydrodynamics simulations. The results show the importance of including all radiative terms for the case of strongly radiative shocks. This result has important implications for the design and interpretation of future laboratory experiments where even faster radiative shocks may be generated. Previously unseen phenomena could be accessible when the radiative energy plays a significant role in the system.
Digital laser frequency and intensity stabilization based on the STEMlab platform (originally Red Pitaya)
Authors: Preuschoff T. , Schlosser M. , Birkl G.
Published: August 2020

We report on the development, implementation, and characterization of digital controllers for laser frequency stabilization as well as intensity stabilization and control. Our design is based on the STEMlab (originally Red Pitaya) platform. The presented analog hardware interfaces provide all necessary functionalities for the designated applications and can be integrated in standard 19-in. rack mount units. Printed circuit board layouts are made available as an open-source project (T. Preuschoff et al., https://github.com/TU-Darmstadt-APQ/RedPitaya-Lockbox, 2020 and T. Preuschoff et al., https://github.com/TU-Darmstadt-APQ/RedPitaya-IntStab, 2020). A detailed characterization shows that the bandwidth (1.25 MHz) and the noise performance of the controllers are limited by the STEMlab system and not affected by the supplementary hardware. Frequency stabilization of a diode laser system resulting in a linewidth of 52(1) kHz (FWHM) is demonstrated. Intensity control to the 1 × 10−3 level with sub-microsecond rise and fall times based on an acousto-optic modulator as actuator is achieved.
Threshold collision induced dissociation of pyrene cluster cations
Authors: Zamith Sébastien , L’Hermite Jean-Marc , Dontot Léo , Zheng Linjie , Rapacioli Mathias , Spiegelman Fernand , Joblin Christine
Published: August 2020

We report threshold collision induced dissociation experiments on cationic pyrene clusters, for sizes n = 2–6. Fragmentation cross sections are recorded as a function of the collision energy and analyzed with a statistical model. This model can account for the dissociation cascades and provides values for the dissociation energies. These values, of the order of 0.7 eV–1 eV, are in excellent agreement with those previously derived from thermal evaporation. They confirm the charge resonance stability enhancement predicted by theoretical calculations. In addition, remarkable agreement is obtained with theoretical predictions for the two smaller sizes n = 2 and 3. For the larger sizes, the agreement remains good, although the theoretical values obtained for the most stable structures are systematically higher by 0.2 eV. This offset could be attributed to approximations in the calculations. Still, there is an indication in the results of an incomplete description of the role of isomerization and/or direct dissociation upon collisions. Finally, by-product clusters containing dehydrogenated species are found to dissociate at energies comparable to the non-dehydrogenated ones, which shows no evidence for covalent bonds within the clusters.
New solution method for the problem of a uniformly charged straight wire
Authors: Ciftja Orion , Ciftja Brent
Published: August 2020

A common problem in electrostatics is determining the electrostatic potential due to a uniformly charged straight wire. The solution of this problem illustrates well the types of calculations that one must perform in order to obtain the electrostatic potential or field of a given continuous charge distribution. In this work, we reconsider and solve the problem of a uniformly charged straight wire via a new method that is different from the popular direct integration approach found in the majority of physics textbooks. The outcomes of the two methods are compared and the results suggest several interesting mathematical formulas involving special functions.
Flexible and highly stable solar-blind photodetector based on room-temperature synthesis of amorphous Ga2O3 film
Authors: Xiao Shuya , Deng Yin , Chen Zhiyang , Wang Yuehui , Yu Jie , Tang Weihua , Wu Zhenping
Published: August 2020

Flexible photodetectors (PDs) have received enormous interest owing to their potential applications in portable information technology and modern wearable optoelectronic devices. Herein, flexible solar-blind PDs based on amorphous Ga2O3 films fabricated on polyethylene naphthalate substrates at room temperature are demonstrated. The PD yields a responsivity up to 3.7 mA W−1, a fast response speed of 80 ms, a large detectivity of 1.14 × 1012 Jones, a high ultraviolet/visible rejection ratio of 6.1 × 103, and an ultra-high photo-to-dark current ratio over 105 at 10 V, which is comparable to the performance of a device on a rigid substrate. Moreover, the device exhibits no obvious performance degradation even after mechanical bending over 103 cycles, indicating an excellent stability. Our results pave the route for the realization of high-performance solar-blind optoelectronics with a flexible substrate.