bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Part XIII
Authors: Nafie Laurence A.
Published: December 2019

This article is an overview of advances in Raman spectroscopy published in 2018 in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (JRS) and, in addition, trends over the past decade across journals that have published papers important to the field of Raman spectroscopy. The trends are based on statistical data of article counts obtained from Clarivate Analytic's Web of Science Core Collection by year and by subfield of Raman spectroscopy. Coverage is provided for presentations involving Raman spectroscopy at four international conferences this year: the Tenth International Conference on Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy (ICAVS‐10) in Aukland, New Zealand in July; SCIX 2019 organized by the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS) in Palm Springs, California USA in October; the European Conference on Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy (ECONOS 2019) in Rouen, France in April; and the Tenth International Congress on the Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology (RAA 2019) in Potsdam, Germany in September. Finally, papers published in JRS in 2018 are highlighted and arragned by topics at the frontier of Raman spectroscopy. Based on these data, presentations, and publications, it is clear that Raman spectroscopy continues as an expanding field of research across a wide range of novel disciplines and applications that provide sensitive photonic information at the molecular level.
Simplified preoperative tool predicting discharge destination after major oncologic gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Ramanathan Rajesh , Rieser Caroline , Kurtom Saba , Rustom Salem , Subramany Revathy , Wolfe Luke G. , Kaplan Brian J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Preoperatively identifying patients who will require discharge to extended care facilities (ECFs) after major cancer surgery is valuable. This study compares existing models and derives a simple, preoperative tool for predicting discharge destination after major oncologic gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

The American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement datasets were used to evaluate existing risk stratification and frailty assessment tools between the years 2011 and 2015. A novel tool for predicting discharge to ECF was developed in the 2011‐2015 dataset and subsequently validated in the 2016 dataset.

Results

Major resections were analyzed for 61 683 malignancies: 6.9% esophagus, 5.3% stomach, 20.0% liver, 21.0% pancreas, and 46.8% colon/rectum. The overall ECF discharge rate was 9.1%. The American Society of Anesthesiologist score, 11‐point modified frailty index (mFI), and 5‐point abbreviated modified frailty index (amFI) demonstrated only moderate discrimination in predicting ECF discharge (c‐statistic: 0.63‐0.65). In contrast, our weighted cancer cancer abbreviated modified frailty index (camFI) score demonstrated improved discrimination with c‐statistic of 0.73. The camFI displayed >90% negative predictive value for ECF discharge at every operative site.

Conclusion

The camFI is a simple tool that can be used preoperatively to counsel patients on their risk of ECF discharge, and to identify patients with the least need for ECF discharge after major oncologic gastrointestinal surgery.
Capacity of the common Arctic picoeukaryote Micromonas to adapt to a warming ocean
Authors: Benner Ina , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: December 2019

Phytoplankton are sensitive to temperature and other environmental conditions expected to change with warming over the next century. We quantified the capacity of an ecologically dominant Arctic phytoplankton species, Micromonas polaris, to adapt to changes in temperature, increased temperature and irradiance, and increased temperature and periodic nitrogen starvation, over several hundred generations. When originally isolated, this strain of Micromonas had its maximum growth rate at 6°C, and its growth rate declined above 10°C. We find an evolutionary increase in growth rate, with the largest increases associated with the elevated temperature treatments, especially when combined with repeated nitrate starvation. After several hundred generations of exposure, the growth rate of Micromonas under 13°C almost doubled and was higher than under 6°C. This increase in growth rate is consistent with the Arrhenius model of temperature effects on metabolism and suggests a general hypothesis for the evolutionary potential of phytoplankton to respond evolutionarily to temperature change.
Understanding the roles of three academic communities in a prospective learning health ecosystem for diagnostic excellence
Authors: Satterfield Katherine , Rubin Joshua C. , Yang Daniel , Friedman Charles P.
Published: December 2019

Inaccurate, untimely, and miscommunicated medical diagnoses represent a wicked problem requiring comprehensive and coordinated approaches, such as those demonstrated in the characteristics of learning health systems (LHSs). To appreciate a vision for how LHS methods can optimize processes and outcomes in medical diagnosis (diagnostic excellence), we interviewed 32 individuals with relevant expertise: 18 who have studied diagnostic processes using traditional behavioral science and health services research methods, six focused on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, and eight multidisciplinary researchers experienced in advocating for and incorporating LHS methods, ie, scalable continuous learning in health care. We report on barriers and facilitators, identified by these subjects, to applying their methods toward optimizing medical diagnosis. We then employ their insights to envision the emergence of a learning ecosystem that leverages the tools of each of the three research groups to advance diagnostic excellence. We found that these communities represent a natural fit forward, in which together, they can better measure diagnostic processes and close the loop of putting insights into practice. Members of the three academic communities will need to network and bring in additional stakeholders before they can design and implement the necessary infrastructure that would support ongoing learning of diagnostic processes at an economy of scale and scope.
Fast Chemo‐Responsive Shape Memory of Stretchable Polymer Nanocomposite Aerogels Fabricated by One‐Step Method
Authors: Wang Changchun , Wang Meiqing , Ying Sanjiu , Gu Jianping
Published: December 2019

A new type of stretchable poly(caprolactone)/graphene oxide (PCL/GO) aerogel with fast chemo‐responsive shape memory effect is fabricated by one‐step method of a sol‐gel procedure. The PCL/GO aerogels show uniformly circular and interconnected pores formed by twisted PCL nanolayers. GO platelets improve the crystallinity of PCL and increase the fracture stress and strain by 150% and 300% respectively, although the GO loading is only 0.5%. The dramatic increment of break strain is attributed to the uniform and circular pores that can afford large deformation and the interaction of GO and PCL. The aerogels can be programmed by external stress at ambient temperature without heating and recover upon ethyl acetate (EA) in 1 s. The fast chemo‐responsive shape recovery is ascribed to the fast wrinkle of the PCL nanolayers that decrease the diffusion time greatly and the interconnected micrometer pores that are in favor of penetrating for EA molecules.
Curcumin enhances radiosensitization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating circRNA network
Authors: Yang Jiabin , Zhu Daoqi , Liu Shiya , Shao Meng , Liu Ying , Li Aiwu , Lv Ying , Huang Mu , Lou Dandan , Fan Qin
Published: December 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of gene expression in different physiological and pathological processes. These macromolecules can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges and play an important role as gene regulators throughout the circRNA‐miRNA pathway. In this study, we established a radioresistance model with the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE‐2, and then analyzed the differences in the circRNAs between radioresistant and normal nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines using a high‐throughput microarray. Tested circRNAs included 1042 upregulated and 1558 downregulated circRNAs. Relevant signaling pathways associated with the circRNAs and their target miRNAs were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis to determine the radioresistance of the differentially expressed circRNAs. Curcumin was used to treat irradiated cell lines, and changes in the circRNA before and after curcumin treatment were analyzed to investigate the radiosensitization effects of curcumin. The results showed that curcumin could regulate the circRNA‐miRNA‐messenger RNA network and inhibit the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), and growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (GRB2) to achieve radiosensitization. Thus, circRNA acted as a miRNA sponge and regulated the expression of miRNA, thereby affecting EGFR, STAT3, and GRB2 expression and radiosensitization.
Agonists and inhibitors of the STING pathway: Potential agents for immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Jun‐Jun , Zhao Lang , Hu Hong‐Guo , Li Wen‐Hao , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: December 2019

Since being discovered in 2008, the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway has gradually been recognized as a central and promising target for immunotherapy. The STING pathway can be stimulated by cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), leading to the type I interferons (IFN) production for immunotherapy for cancer or other diseases. However, the negative charges, hydrophilicity, and instability of CDNs have hindered their further applications. In addition, chronic activation of the STING pathway has been found to be involved in autoimmune diseases as IFN overproduction. Thus, research and development of STING agonists and inhibitors has been a hot field for the treatment of several diseases. The past several years, especially 2018, has seen increasingly rapid advances in this field. Here, this review summarizes the synthesis and modification of CDNs, the identification of nonnucleotide agonists, the recent progress in delivery systems and the medical applications, such as personalized vaccine adjuvants, in detail. In addition, in this review, we summarize the STING inhibitors’ advances from two aspects, covalent, and noncovalent inhibitors.
Effects of consanguinity in a cohort of subjects with certain genetic disorders in Qatar
Authors: Ben‐Omran Tawfeg , Al Ghanim Kaltham , Yavarna Tarunashree , El Akoum Maha , Samara Muthanna , Chandra Prem , Al‐Dewik Nader
Published: December 2019

Background

Consanguineous marriages are common in the Middle East including the Gulf countries. The rate of consanguinity in Qatar is approximately 54%, which are mainly first cousins’ marriages. Previous studies showed that consanguinity increases the prevalence of birth defects and other genetic disorders. Thus, we studied the effects of consanguinity in a cohort of subjects with certain genetic disorders in Qatar.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted at two centers in Qatar (Hamad Medical Corporation “HMC” and Shafallah “SC”) including 599 Qatari families with certain types of genetic and nongenetic anomalies.

Results

Consanguineous marriages were seen in 397 of 599 (66.2%) Qatari families and first cousin group counts for 65% in Qatari population. In the total cohort and at HMC, all consanguineous marriages had a significantly higher risk of Autosomal Recessive disorders than nonconsanguineous marriages (total cohort: odds ratio (OR) = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71; p = .02; HMC: OR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.37, 6.09; p = .005). On the other hand, at HMC, nonconsanguinity was significantly related to chromosomal abnormality (OR = 6.36; 95% CI: 1.13, 35.85; p = .036).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a significant role of parental consanguinity in increasing the prevalence of genetic disorders; mainly Autosomal Recessive disorders. Chromosomal abnormality disorders were significantly higher among nonconsanguineous marriages. These results help better inform policy makers on social, educational, and public health initiatives that might mitigate the impact of genetic disease in the Qatari society.
The quadratic‐phase Fourier wavelet transform
Authors: Prasad Akhilesh , Sharma P. B.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we define the quadratic‐phase Fourier wavelet transform (QPFWT) and discuss its basic properties including convolution for QPFWT. Further, inversion formula and the Parseval relation of QPFWT are also discussed. Continuity of QPFWT on some function spaces are studied. Moreover, some applications of quadratic‐phase Fourier transform (QPFT) to solve the boundary value problems of generalized partial differential equations.
A Lesson‐like convergent equation for the phase noise of an oscillator with 1/f noise
Authors: Murgulescu Mihai H.
Published: December 2019

Leeson's well‐known equation for the phase noise of an oscillator diverges at offset frequencies approaching zero. A Leeson‐like convergent equation is derived for oscillators which have 1/f noise. The derived equation is a good approximation for oscillators used in wireless applications.
Compact implantable antenna design for MICS and ISM band biotelemetry applications
Authors: Usluer Merve , Cetindere Besra , Basaran Siddik Cumhur
Published: December 2019

A dual‐band implantable complementary split‐ring (CSR) antenna is proposed for Medical Implant Communication Services (MICS) and Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands biotelemetry applications. The proposed antenna is printed on a grounded RO3010 substrate and the total size of the compact design is only 14 × 14 × 1.27 mm3. The metallic top layer of the antenna is composed of three homocentric rectangular CSR elements and slots inserted between the rings. While the slots are used for fine frequency tuning, a shorting pin appropriately placed between the top copper radiator and the ground plane is utilized for miniaturization purpose. In order to improve impedance matching and enhance bandwidths of the antenna, we employ a hook‐shaped slot in the ground plane. The proposed implantable CSR antenna (ICSRA) is fed by a coaxial probe. The proposed ICSRA was fabricated and measured in two different gels mimicking the real human skin tissue at the MICS and ISM bands. Also, a prototype of ICSRA was measured in a real skin sample obtained from a donor rat for in vivo verification. The ICSRA provides 23.5% bandwidth at 460 MHz and 12% bandwidth at 2.34 GHz and it exhibits acceptable radiation pattern characteristics at the respective bands. The specific absorption rate values of the antenna satisfy the limits set by standard safety guidelines.
Presurgical resting‐state functional MRI language mapping with seed selection guided by regional homogeneity
Authors: Hsu Ai‐Ling , Chen Henry Szu‐Meng , Hou Ping , Wu Changwei W. , Johnson Jason M. , Noll Kyle R. , Prabhu Sujit S. , Ferguson Sherise D. , Kumar Vinodh A. , Schomer Donald F. , Chen Jyh‐Horng , Liu Ho‐Ling
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐FMRI) has shown potential for presurgical mapping of eloquent cortex when a patient’s performance on task‐based FMRI is compromised. The seed‐based analysis is a practical approach for detecting rs‐FMRI functional networks; however, seed localization remains challenging for presurgical language mapping. Therefore, we proposed a data‐driven approach to guide seed localization for presurgical rs‐FMRI language mapping.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with brain tumors located in left perisylvian regions had undergone task‐based FMRI and rs‐FMRI before tumor resection. For the seed‐based rs‐FMRI language mapping, a seeding approach that integrates regional homogeneity and meta‐analysis maps (RH+MA) was proposed to guide the seed localization. Canonical and task‐based seeding approaches were used for comparison. The performance of the 3 seeding approaches was evaluated by calculating the Dice coefficients between each rs‐FMRI language mapping result and the result from task‐based FMRI.

Results

With the RH+MA approach, selecting among the top 6 seed candidates resulted in the highest Dice coefficient for 81% of patients (21 of 26) and the top 9 seed candidates for 92% of patients (24 of 26). The RH+MA approach yielded rs‐FMRI language mapping results that were in greater agreement with the results of task‐based FMRI, with significantly higher Dice coefficients (P < .05) than that of canonical and task‐based approaches within putative language regions.

Conclusion

The proposed RH+MA approach outperformed the canonical and task‐based seed localization for rs‐FMRI language mapping. The results suggest that RH+MA is a robust and feasible method for seed‐based functional connectivity mapping in clinical practice.
A population‐based study of long‐term outcome in treated chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Al‐Zuhairy Ali , Sindrup Søren H. , Andersen Henning , Jakobsen Johannes
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The effect of long‐lasting immune‐modulating therapy was studied in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional study of treated patients referred to the Danish health‐care system between 1985 and 2006.

Results

The 51 participating patients had a median disease duration of 16 (interquartile range, 14–21) years. Twenty‐seven patients (53%) had discontinued therapy and 46 walked independently. Disability and isokinetic strength were impaired by 17% and 20%, respectively, as compared with matched control subjects. For a few patients long‐term CIDP was associated with severe morbidity (6%) and even mortality (1%). Prolongation of time until start of therapy was associated with an increased burden of long‐term disability.

Discussion

Long‐term prognosis in treated CIDP is characterized by limited disability in the majority of patients. Disability is related to delay of therapy. Therefore, more attention should be given to early treatment start in CIDP.
A micromechanical‐based elasto‐viscoplastic model for the Callovo‐Oxfordian argillite: Algorithms, validations, and applications
Authors: Zeng Tao , Shao Jian‐Fu , Yao Yao
Published: December 2019

For a potential geological barrier of high‐level radioactive waste repositories in France, the long‐term mechanical behavior of the Callovo‐Oxfordian (COx) argillite is the most concern for engineers. In this paper, a micromechanical‐based elasto‐viscoplastic model is proposed, and its numerical realization is our main object. The COx argillite is considered as a three‐phase composite consists of porous clay, quartz, and calcite. By assigning appropriate constitutive laws to those constituents, the macroscopic elasto‐viscoplastic behavior of the COx argillite is determined with an extended Hill's incremental approach. The numerical aspects includes (a) a new formulation is proposed for the plastic multiplier when adopting the overstress (Perzyna) model to define the viscoplastic strain. Meanwhile, a new formulation is also proposed to solve it within the framework of an implicit returning mapping scheme. (b) The corresponding consistent tangent moduli are strictly derived by extending the method proposed for solving plastic problems; (c) the efficiency of the proposed integration algorithms for the local constitutive equations and the homogenization procedure are validated, receptively, by a built‐in porous plasticity model of a commercial finite element (FE) program ABAQUS and by FE computations of a two‐phase unit cell; and (d) the proposed micromechanical model is finally applied to simulate experiment data in short‐term triaxial compression tests and long‐term triaxial creep tests. And the numerical results show that it is able to reflect the variation of the mechanical behavior with respect to the varied mineralogical compositions.
Multiple brief training sessions to improve nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding nursing care of older adults with depression in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Lee Chia‐Chi , Tseng Huei‐Chi , Wu Lee‐Pin , Chuang Yeu‐Hui
Published: December 2019

In long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), nurses are key healthcare providers for older residents who have depressive symptoms or depression; therefore, they need accurate knowledge of late‐life depression, positive attitudes towards depression, and confidence in providing depression care. This cluster‐randomized trial was designed to examine the effectiveness of multiple, face‐to‐face, brief training sessions in improving nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in providing late‐life depression care in LTCFs. Nine LTCFs were included in the study. In total, 30 nurses from the four LTCFs assigned to the intervention group received three 30‐min training sessions and 36 nurses in the five comparison group LTCFs did not. A self‐report questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention. There were significant differences between groups concerning improvement in nurses’ knowledge of late‐life depression, attitudes towards depression, and confidence in providing depression care. The effect size (Cohen's d) was 1.55 for knowledge, 1.38 for attitudes, and 0.89 for confidence. This training program was effective in improving LTCF nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in providing depression care. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that nurse managers and directors implement similar training programs for nurses in LTCFs to enhance the care quality for older residents.
It takes two: uptake of carrier screening among male reproductive partners
Authors: Giles Choates Meagan , Stevens Blair K. , Wagner Chelsea , Murphy Lauren , Singletary Claire N. , Wittman A. Theresa
Published: December 2019

Objective

To describe uptake of carrier screening by male reproductive partners of prenatal and preconception patients.

Methods

A retrospective database review of all prenatal and preconception patients seen for genetic counseling in Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics was performed. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square analysis were used on the data set.

Results

Within the study period, 6087 patients were seen for genetic counseling, of whom 661 were identified as a carrier of an autosomal recessive disorder by their referring provider or genetic counselor. Despite guidelines recommending partner testing for risk clarification when a woman is known to be a carrier of an autosomal recessive condition, only 41.5% male partners elected carrier screening to clarify the couple's reproductive risk, with a majority of males (75%) having screening consecutively. Of all assessed variables, the only significant predictors of male carrier screening uptake were female parity and earlier gestational age (p < .0001, and p = .001, respectively).

Conclusion

With less than half of male partners pursuing carrier screening when indicated, its utility becomes severely diminished. More research is needed to explore reasons why males elect or decline carrier screening.
Deformation Phenomena of Thermoplastic Materials in the Solid and Semifluid States
Authors: Leal Angel Andrés
Published: December 2019

The deformation phenomena of a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyamide 12 and a polyketone, are analyzed to identify the polymer characteristics that enhance the processability of a material both at temperatures around the melting point (i.e., in a semifluid state) and at temperatures close to ambient conditions. Dissipation factor isotherms in the frequency range associated with hot compaction, used in conjunction with a hot‐pressing technique that identifies the minimum temperature required for significant chain mobility during hot compaction, allow to evaluate the processability in the semifluid state. The experiments show that optimal processing by hot compaction is achieved when tan δ > 2 for the entire frequency range under consideration. Showing superior processability with respect to the other two polymers, the polyamide 12 is then compounded with a polyamide 12‐based elastomer to tune its stiffness and toughness in tension and bending, enhancing its cold forming characteristics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:535–540, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
3D printing materials for generators of active particles based on electrical discharges
Authors: Mikeš Jan , Pekárek Stanislav , Babčenko Oleg , Hanuš Ondřej , Kákona Jakub , Štenclová Pavla
Published: December 2019

In this study, we focus our attention on the impact of ozone (O3) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) on materials usable for three‐dimensional (3D) printing. Specifically, we have studied the potential degradative effect on the most commonly used filaments, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS). The effect has been examined on objects printed on a 3D printer and on the materials of discharge chambers of O3 generators from which they were printed. For the purpose of adequate assessment of the actual impact of O3 and UV, samples were monitored for a period of 18‐hr of exposure. The methods of Raman spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been employed for an objective evaluation of potential modifications. A generator equipped with a chamber printed from a new PLA filament and an active electrode system in the form of a stripes electrode, or more precisely, in the second case, a honeycomb‐active electrode, both cut out of a thin copper foil, was used for the generation of O3 and UV radiation. The tested materials showed substantial resistance to O3 exposure under the test conditions. The result of measurements suggested that these materials could be used for chambers for the O3 as well as for active particle generation.
Internal Structure Tailoring in 3D Nanoplasmonic Metasurface for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Tao , Goel Pratibha , Zhao Hui , Ma Rui , Zhu Linghua , Liu Xiangjiang , Tang Longhua
Published: December 2019

Tunable nanoplasmonic metasurfaces have resulted in many versatile platforms for sensing applications including surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based detection. However, to date, their fabrication still faces challenges in uniformity, repeatability, and controllability. Here, a novel large‐area and hierarchical nanoplasmonic array with controlled internal structure and tunable plasmonic properties is reported, relying on controllably tailoring the single nanosphere on a uniform double‐layered array into a well‐defined nanoflower structure. The fabrication involves colloidal self‐assembly, lithography, and plasmonic metal coating. First, a uniformly distributed double‐layered colloidal array is fabricated via an ethanol‐assisted self‐assembly technique. Next, with the help of inductively coupled plasma dry etching, the lower layer is transformed to the nanoflower array with well‐defined petal shape. Subsequently, a gold film with controlled thickness is deposited onto the nanoflower structured array, resulting in a tunable optical and SERS‐active enhancement effect. Furthermore, 3D finite‐difference time‐domain simulation shows multiple enhancement sites inside the nanoflower array. Such a brand‐new 3D structured array has the potential for varied applications, ranging from SERS sensors to light regulation.
High Volumetric Specific Impulse Composite Propellant Based on Terminally Functionalized Block Copolymers of Polybutadiene and ϵ‐Caprolactone
Authors: Singh Harmeet , Singh Darshana , Chimurkar Dhanraj , Upadhyay Jayesh , Kumar Amit , Kumar Arvind , Pande Shrikant , More Priyesh
Published: December 2019

For enhanced range, higher payload capacities and for miniaturized propulsion systems, today's strategic and tactical weapon system designers demand for higher density and specific impulse of the propellant. In order to enhance the density impulse of HTPB/DOA/RDX/AP/Al based composite propellant, studies have been carried to replace conventional HTPB/DOA binder system with hydroxyl terminated block copolymer of polybutadiene and ϵ‐caprolactone with NG as plasticizer. Total eight numbers of compositions were formulated with varying content of RDX. Both binder systems were compared in propellant compositions by evaluating various physical, thermal and ballistic properties. Various rocket performance parameters of each formulation were theoretically predicted by NASA CEC‐71 program and burning rate was measured in pressure ranges of 3‐7 and 7‐11 MPa by the acoustic emission technique. In addition, density, viscosity build up, calorimetric values, thermal decomposition and sensitivity parameters of each composition were also assessed and compared. In an outcome, it was concluded that HTBCP25/NG based propellant compositions enhance the density by 4.4–5 % and calorimetric values by 12–15 % as compared to HTPB/DOA based compositions. Strand burning rate data show enhancement of burning rate by 40–70 % at 7 MPa pressure in HTBCP25/NG based compositions. Impact and friction sensitivity data also revealed their utility in propellant compositions for future applications.
How the environmental fate of clomazone in rice fields is influenced by amendment with olive‐mill waste under different regimes of irrigation and tillage
Authors: Fernández Damián , Gómez Soraya , Albarrán Ángel , Peña David , Rozas María Ángeles , Rato‐Nunes Jose M , López‐Piñeiro Antonio
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Irrigation and tillage systems alone or in combination with organic amendments can strongly influence soil properties, which in turn may also modify the environmental fate of any pesticides applied. This study was aimed at determining how amendment with composted olive‐mill waste (W) influenced leaching, sorption, and persistence of the herbicide clomazone in rice field soils under different tillage and irrigation management practices. The field trial conducted covered 3 years in succession, with six treatments: irrigation by sprinkler and conventional tillage without (ST) or with W application (80 Mg ha−1) (STW), irrigation by sprinkler but no tillage (SNT), irrigation by sprinkler but no tillage with W application (SNTW), and continuous flooding irrigation and tillage without (FT) and with W application (FTW).

RESULTS

Application of W significantly increased the adsorption of clomazone to soil in the first and third years. In the first year, the persistence of clomazone under aerobic (t1/2 = 33.1–36.3 days) and anaerobic incubation conditions (t1/2 = 3.43–10.8 days) decreased after W application to t1/2 values in the ranges 18.1–29.7 and 3.06–5.44 days, respectively. However, in the third year, although clomazone persistence increased significantly in SNT and ST when W was applied under both incubation conditions, it decreased significantly in FT management under anaerobic incubation conditions. The addition of W led to less leaching of clomazone, particularly for the FT case where the herbicide leaching losses were 2.8 and 2.6 times lower in the first and third years after W addition, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using W as an organic amendment could be regarded as an invaluable strategy to reduce water contamination by clomazone in rice production, especially under traditional tillage and flooding management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
AlGaN/GaN Superlattice‐Based p‐Type Field‐Effect Transistor with Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Treatment
Authors: Krishna Athith , Raj Aditya , Hatui Nirupam , Koksaldi Onur , Jang Raina , Keller Stacia , Mishra Umesh K.
Published: December 2019

To realize the full spectrum of advantages that the III‐nitride materials system offers, the demonstration of p‐channel III‐nitride‐based devices is valuable. The first p‐type field‐effect transistor (pFET) based on an AlGaN/GaN superlattice (SL), grown using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), is reported. Magnesium is used as the p‐type dopant. A sheet resistance of 11.6 kΩ □−1 and a contact resistance of 14.9 Ω mm are determined using transmission line measurements (TLMs) for Mg doping of 1.5 × 1019 cm−3. Mobilities in the range of 7–10 cm2 (V s)−1 and a total sheet charge density in the range of 1 × 1013–6 × 1013 cm−2 are measured using room temperature Hall effect measurements. Without tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) treatment, the fabricated pFETs have a maximum drain‐source current (IDS) of 3 mA mm−1 and an on‐resistance (RON) of 3.48 kΩ mm and do not turn off completely. With TMAH treatment during fabrication, a maximum IDS of 4.5 mA mm−1, RON of 2.2 kΩ mm, and five orders of current modulation are demonstrated.
The Role of Carbon Doping on Breakdown, Current Collapse, and Dynamic On‐Resistance Recovery in AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors on Semi‐Insulating SiC Substrates
Authors: Zagni Nicolò , Chini Alessandro , Puglisi Francesco Maria , Pavan Paolo , Verzellesi Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Herein, the critical role of carbon doping in the electrical behavior of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on semi‐insulating SiC substrates is assessed by investigating the off‐state three‐terminal breakdown, current collapse, and dynamic on‐resistance recovery at high drain–source voltages. Extensive device simulations of typical GaN HEMT structures are conducted and compared with experimental data from published, state‐of‐the‐art technologies to 1) explain the slope of the breakdown voltage as a function of the gate‐to‐drain spacing lower than GaN critical electric field as a result of the nonuniform electrical field distribution in the gate–drain access region; 2) attribute the drain current collapse to trapping in deep acceptor states in the buffer associated with carbon doping; and 3) interpret the partial dynamic on‐resistance recovery after off‐state stress at high drain–source voltages as a consequence of hole generation and trapping.
Hybrid Passivation for Foldable Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors Mediated by Low‐Temperature and Low‐Damage Parylene‐C/Atomic Layer Deposition‐AlOx Coating
Authors: Zhan Shijie , Han Soodeok , Bang Sang Yun , Li Benxuan , Chun Young Tea , Hou Bo , Kim Jong Min
Published: December 2019

Indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are primary components in active integrated electronics, such as displays and sensor arrays, which heavily involve high‐throughput passivation techniques during multilayer fabrication processes. Though oxide compound semiconductors are commonly used for providing uniform and robust passivation, it usually causes performance degradation on IGZO TFTs during passivation process. Herein, a parylene‐C and aluminum oxide (AlOx) hybrid passivation approach are introduced to reduce the damage during AlOx atomic layer deposition (ALD), which results in high‐performance depletion‐mode IGZO TFT to be fabricated on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate with enhanced bias stability. Compared with parylene‐C passivation, the hybrid‐passivated IGZO TFTs exhibit excellent saturation mobility (7.9 cm2 (V s)−1), ON/OFF ratio (107), hysteresis window (0.73 V), and bias stability (1.44 and −0.27 V threshold voltage shift, Vds = 20 V). Based on systematic Mott–Schottky and X‐ray diffraction characterizations, it is found that TFT performance enhancement is originated from their doping density variation that resulted from a parylene‐C/ALD‐AlOx microstructural hybridization. Finally, this method is implemented to wafer‐scale integrated circuits with high uniformity and a flexible 10 × 10 IGZO TFT backplane matrix on a PEN substrate (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm).
Role of an Interfacial Layer in Ta2O5‐Based Resistive Switching Devices for Improved Endurance and Reliable Multibit Operation
Authors: Lee Dong Kyu , Kim Gun Hwan , Sohn Hyunchul , Yang Min Kyu
Published: December 2019

A comparative study of two electrode materials is conducted to demonstrate the effect of the electrode material on the resistive switching (RS) behavior of Ta2O5‐based devices. Compared with a Pt top electrode (TE), application of a TiN TE shows an improved endurance of up to 109 cycles and a highly reliable 4 bit (16 states) operation. Various structural analyses reveal that this distinctive RS performance originates from an oxygen‐deficient layer (TaOx) between the Ta2O5 and TiN TEs. This interfacial layer improves the endurance of the device by acting as an oxygen reservoir that prevents the severe consumption of oxygen during repetitive RS and makes the device compatible with electrical pulse–based operations for stable multibit operation by acting as an appropriate load resistor. The results herein suggest that the optimized interfacial layer is essential for the development of high‐performance RS devices for future nonvolatile memory applications.
Retracted: Baicalin relieves TNF‐α‐evoked injury in human aortic endothelial cells by up‐regulation of miR‐145
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Min , He Lianman , Wang Shanshan , Cui Shuxian
Published: December 2019

Hypertension is recognized to be associated with low‐grade inflammation. Baicalin (BAI) is reported to possess various pharmacological including anti‐inflammatory activities. This research explored the molecular mechanism by which BAI functions in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). HAECs were pretreated with BAI. Cell viability, apoptosis, and expressions of crucial proteins were respectively evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blot. Productions of cytokines were respectively assessed employing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cell transfection was utilized to alter miR‐145 expression. The expressions of proteins participated in JNK and p38MAPK pathways were analyzed utilizing western blot. TNF‐α inducement successfully evoked inflammatory injury in HAECs, exhibiting as prominently suppressed viability, while facilitated apoptosis and productions of cytokines. However, BAI pretreatment significantly ameliorated TNF‐α‐triggered inflammatory injuries. Besides, miR‐145 expression was markedly inhibited by TNF‐α inducement, while notably elevated by BAI pretreatment. Although miR‐145 overexpression had no significant influence on apoptosis, miR‐145 silence observably reversed BAI pretreatment‐evoked protective influences on TNF‐α‐induced HAECs, as well as the inhibited impacts on the levels of key proteins involved in JNK and p38MAPK pathways. This investigation illustrated that BAI relieved TNF‐α‐triggered injuries through upregulating miR‐145 via suppressing JNK and p38MAPK pathways.
A predictive Bayesian approach to sequential time‐between‐events monitoring
Authors: Ali Sajid
Published: December 2019

A fundamental problem with all process monitoring techniques is the requirement of a large Phase‐I data set to establish control limits and overcome estimation error. This assumption of having a large Phase‐I data set is very restrictive and often problematic, especially when the sampling is expensive or not available, eg, time‐between‐events (TBE) settings. Moreover, with the advancement in technology, quality practitioners are now more interested in online process monitoring. Therefore, the Bayesian methodology not only provides a natural solution for sequential and adaptive learning but also addresses the problem of a large Phase‐I data set for setting up a monitoring structure. In this study, we propose Bayesian control charts for TBE assuming homogenous Poisson process. In particular, a predictive approach is adopted to introduce predictive limit control charts. Beside the Bayesian predictive Shewhart charts with dynamic control limits, a comparison of the frequentist sequential charts, designed by using unbiased and biased estimator of the process parameter, is also a part of the present study. To assess the predictive TBE chart performance in the presence of practitioner‐to‐practitioner variability, we use the average of the average run length (AARL) and the standard deviation of the in‐control run length (SDARL).
Low‐concentration hydrogen peroxide decontamination for Bacillus spore contamination in buildings
Authors: Mickelsen Ronald Leroy , Wood Joseph , Calfee Michael Worth , Serre Shannon , Ryan Shawn , Touati Abderrahmane , Delafield Francis Robbins , Aslett Lola Denise
Published: December 2019

Remediation and recovery efforts after a release of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores may be difficult and costly. In addition, response and recovery technologies may be focused on critical resources, leaving the small business or homeowner without remediation options. This study evaluates the efficacy of relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) delivered from off‐the‐shelf equipment for the inactivation of Bacillus spores within an indoor environment. Decontamination evaluations were conducted in a house using both Bacillus atrophaeus var. globigii (Bg; as surrogates for B. anthracis) inoculated on the carpet and galvanized metal as coupons and Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Gs) as biological indicators on steel. The total decontamination time ranged from 4 to 7 days. Using the longer exposure times, low concentrations of HPV (average levels below 20 parts per million) effectively inactivated Bg and Gs spores on the materials tested. The HPV was generated with commercial humidifiers and household‐strength hydrogen peroxide solutions. The presence of home furnishings did not have a significant impact on HPV efficacy. This simple, inexpensive, and effective decontamination method could have significant utility for remediation following a B. anthracis spore release, such as following a terrorist attack.
Current status and challenges of remediating petroleum‐derived PAHs in soils: Nigeria as a case study for developing countries
Authors: Offiong Nnanake‐Abasi O. , Inam Edu J. , Etuk Helen S. , Essien Joseph P.
Published: December 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the world's most significant environmental organic contaminants because of their carcinogenic properties. PAHs are widely distributed globally as a result of releases from numerous natural and anthropogenic activities. Consequently, several PAH monitoring studies have been conducted and remediation approaches explored. This article aims to provide the current status of PAH distribution in Nigeria's oil and gas industrial region in relation to the technologies adopted for PAH remediation. Ideally, the findings will provide insight into the challenges in managing organic contaminants derived from petroleum exploration activities in developing countries with Nigeria as a case study.
Perception‐aware autonomous mast motion planning for planetary exploration rovers
Authors: Strader Jared , Otsu Kyohei , Agha‐mohammadi Ali‐akbar
Published: December 2019

Highly accurate real‐time localization is of fundamental importance for the safety and efficiency of planetary rovers exploring the surface of Mars. Mars rover operations rely on vision‐based systems to avoid hazards as well as plan safe routes. However, vision‐based systems operate on the assumption that sufficient visual texture is visible in the scene. This poses a challenge for vision‐based navigation on Mars where regions lacking visual texture are prevalent. To overcome this, we make use of the ability of the rover to actively steer the visual sensor to improve fault tolerance and maximize the perception performance. This paper answers the question of where and when to look by presenting a method for predicting the sensor trajectory that maximizes the localization performance of the rover. This is accomplished by an online assessment of possible trajectories using synthetic, future camera views created from previous observations of the scene. The proposed trajectories are quantified and chosen based on the expected localization performance. In this study, we validate the proposed method in field experiments at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mars Yard. Furthermore, multiple performance metrics are identified and evaluated for reducing the overall runtime of the algorithm. We show how actively steering the perception system increases the localization accuracy compared with traditional fixed‐sensor configurations.
Ethnodance and identity: Black students representing science identities in the making
Authors: Chappell Mindy J. , Varelas Maria
Published: December 2019

We explored how arts‐based practices, specifically what we define as ethnodance informs the study of science identity. We present a theoretical argument supported by an empirical illustration of how ethnodance offers Black youth with dance identities a medium to narrate evolving science identities, communicating meanings, interactions, and emotions, and to construct identities further as reified artifacts of participating in science classroom communities. The theoretical argument frames dance as an embodied narrative, identity construction as an ongoing process with interactional and affective commitments, and Black Dances as venues of Black bodies’ expressivity of the brilliance, competence, and creativity of Black people. The empirical illustration focuses on Black students in an urban high school choreographing a dance performance to capture their science identity construction transitioning from biology and moving through physics. The students’ semiotic choices communicated the experienced (dis)connection between self and science; ballet, lyrical, and contemporary dances represented experiences challenging their position within science, and a Black Dance, majorette, experiences affirming their place or creating a bridge. Majorette offered students a sense of cultural solidarity, symbolic of their collective overcoming of obstacles faced, frustration, and alienation felt at the beginning of physics, and joy of rising above the struggle.
Incorporating patient‐reported outcomes in dose‐finding clinical trials
Authors: Lee Shing M. , Lu Xiaoqi , Cheng Bin
Published: December 2019

Oncology dose‐finding clinical trials determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) based on toxicity outcomes captured by clinicians. With the availability of more rigorous instruments for measuring toxicity directly from patients, there is a growing interest to incorporate patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) in clinical trials to inform patient tolerability. This is particularly important for dose‐finding trials to ensure the identification of a well‐tolerated dose. In this paper, we propose three extensions of the continual reassessment method (CRM), termed PRO‐CRMs, that incorporate both clinician and patient outcomes. The first method is a marginal modeling approach whereby clinician and patient toxicity outcomes are modeled separately. The other two methods impose a constraint using a joint outcome defined based on both clinician and patient toxicities and model them either jointly or marginally. Simulation studies show that while all three PRO‐CRMs select well‐tolerated doses based on clinician's and patient's perspectives, the methods using a joint outcome perform better and have similar performance. We also show that the proposed PRO‐CRMs are consistent under robust model assumptions.