bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Molecule Modulator at the Interface for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with High Short‐Circuit Current Density and Hysteresis Free
Authors: Wang Ming , Li Wei , Wang Huaxin , Yang Ke , Hu Xiaofei , Sun Kuan , Lu Shirong , Zang Zhigang
Published: September 2020

Interface engineering is widely applied in the one‐step antisolvent deposition for elevating efficiency of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an alcohol‐soluble small molecule, namely 2‐mercaptoimidazole (MI), is inserted between the hole transport layer and perovskite layer to form a cross‐linking bridge, which is built through: i) Coulomb interaction between the negatively charged MI and positively charged poly (3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene); ii) electrostatic interaction between imidazolium cation and iodide anion in perovskite. The cross‐linking bridge can accelerate the hole transmission and inhibit interfacial recombination. Hence, by the optimum design of MI concentration, hysteresis‐free devices with a high power conversion efficiency of 20.68% are obtained. The overall efficiency increase is due to significantly enhanced short‐circuit current density from 21.28 to 23.45 mA cm−2 and slightly raised open‐circuit voltage from 1.06 to 1.08 V, suggesting that the MI modified layer can effectively improve the performance of the devices. Moreover, unencapsulated devices with MI interfacial modification show better environmental stability compared to the reference devices. This facile interfacial approach is promising for future commercialization of inverted PSCs.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Thienoquinolines (Quinoline‐fused heterocycle)
Authors: Teja Chitrala , Nawaz Khan Fazlur‐Rahman
Published: September 2020

Over the past few decades, thienoquinolines have gained considerable attention due to their biological and synthetic applications. Few reports have been disclosed on Thienoquinoline synthesis. Hence, in the present review, we provided a comprehensive update on the synthesis of Thienoquinolines. A brief description of the preparation procedure, reactivity, and mechanisms are included, where as possible. Respectively, the thienoquinoline synthesis is classified and summarized based on its reactivity, so it will help the researchers to obtain knowledge over the previous literature reports to overcome their problems in designing a new process.
The successful use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal as a rescue therapy in a patient with severe COVID‐19 pneumonitis
Authors: Tully R. P. , Hopley N. , Lawrence G.
Published: September 2020

We present a patient with severe COVID‐19 pneumonitis; poor respiratory compliance; dangerously high ventilator pressures; and hypercapnia refractory to conventional treatment including low tidal volume ventilation, neuromuscular blockade and prone position ventilation. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal was used as a rescue therapy to facilitate safer ventilator pressures and arterial partial pressures of carbon dioxide. After 6 days of treatment, the patient had improved to the extent that the extracorporeal support was able to be weaned and the patient was decannulated from the device. Following a prolonged respiratory wean, the patient was subsequently discharged from the intensive care unit and then from the hospital to home with no adverse events related to the therapy.
Cu (II) and Co (II/III) complexes of N,O‐chelated Schiff base ligands: DNA interaction, protein binding, cytotoxicity, cell death mechanism and reactive oxygen species generation studies
Authors: Mondal Shyam Sundar , Jaiswal Namita , Bera Partha Sarathi , Tiwari Ranjay K. , Behera Jogendra Nath , Chanda Nripen , Ghosal Subhas , Saha Tanmoy Kumar
Published: September 2020

A series of copper (II) (1and3) and cobalt (II/III) (2,4and5) complexes comprising different imino‐phenolate ligandsDCH,DTHandDBH2(whereDCH= 2,4‐dichloro‐6‐((mesitylimino)methyl)phenol,DTH= 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐((mesitylimino)methyl) phenol andDBH2= 2,4‐dibromo‐6‐((mesitylimino)methyl)phenol) have been prepared with excellent yield and high purity. By utilizing different spectroscopic tools such as UV–visible, electrospray ionization (ESI)‐mass, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and elemental analysis, the prepared complexes (1–5) were thoroughly characterized. The molecular structure of the synthesized complexes was ascertained by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies (SCXRDs). The experiment reveals that Complexes1–5bind to calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) through non‐intercalative way with good interacting abilities. However,1–5are excellent quenchers of the fluorescence intensity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) following the static pathway. Additionally, they had shown remarkable cytotoxic potential against MCF‐7 (mammary gland adenocarcinoma) and A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The IC50values associated with these complexes were much lower than the conventional drug cisplatin. Apoptosis‐induced cell death was confirmed from the DNA fragmentation studies and Hoechst 33342 staining. The 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay indicates that the complex mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is accountable for governing the apoptosis mechanism via oxidative cell distress. Apart from these studies, by carrying out density functional theory (DFT) method, highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energy gap calculations and optimized structures of the synthesized complexes were accomplished.
Intrinsic Defects in Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Meng Aiyun , Teng Zhenyuan , Zhang Qitao , Su Chenliang
Published: September 2020

Introducing intrinsic defects in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) without the addition of exotic atoms have been verified as an available strategy to boost the photocatalytic performance. This minireview focuses on the fundamental classifications and positive roles of intrinsic defects in PCN for photocatalysis applications. The intrinsic defects in PCN are classified into several types, such as nitrogen vacancy, carbon vacancy and derivative functional groups such as cyano, amino and cyanamide groups. The critical roles of these defects on the electronic configuration, charge transfer and surface properties of PCN are also carefully classified and elaborated. Furthermore, the photocatalysis applications of the defective PCN including photocatalytic water splitting, N2 fixation, H2O2 production, CO2 reduction and NO removal are summarized. In the end, the challenges and opportunities of defect chemistry in PCN for photocatalysis field are presented.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission in Tetrathia[8]circulene Octaoxides via Restriction of the Dynamic Motion of their Negatively Curved π‐Frameworks
Authors: Murase Hiroyasu , Nagata Yuya , Akahori Shuhei , Shinokubo Hiroshi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: September 2020

Curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit intriguing properties, but their flexible and dynamic nature is often considered to be unfavorable for achieving excellent emission properties. In this study, we prepared tetrathia[8]circulene octaoxides that adopt a negatively curved conformation. We found that these molecules exhibit aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) that originates from the restriction of the dynamic motion of their saddle‐shaped π‐frameworks in the solid and aggregated states.
Life‐cycle assessment of the production of cationized tannins from Norway spruce bark as flocculants in wastewater treatment
Authors: Carlqvist Karin , Arshadi Mehrdad , Mossing Torgny , Östman Ulla‐Britt , Brännström Hanna , Halmemies Eelis , Nurmi Juha , Lidén Gunnar , Börjesson Pål
Published: September 2020

It will be necessary to make efficient use of our resources if our society is to be converted into a bio‐based economy. Every year large side streams of bark are produced in sawmills and pulp mills. In addition to utilizing the bark for heat and electricity production, as happens today, high‐value chemical components could be extracted prior to energy conversion. These components include tannins. Cationized tannins have already been indicated as promising renewable flocculants in wastewater treatment. However, today's industrial production of tannins uses species from subtropical or temperate climates, and there has so far been little attention to the use of tannins from Norway spruce (Picea abies), an important species in forestry in the subarctic climate. The present life‐cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken to understand the environmental performance of the production of cationized tannins from the bark of Norway spruce and how the environmental impact is distributed along the production system. This work was connected to the Interreg Botnia‐Atlantica TanWat research project, which studies the production and use of cationized tannins from Norway spruce for wastewater treatment at a pilot scale. The present LCA shows that the main environmental impact stems from the reagents used in the cationization step. The purification step could also be a significant issue depending on the possibility of reusing the eluent (ethanol) and the lifetime of the resin. The importance of running the processes with as concentrated streams as possible to minimize the need of process water and energy was also confirmed © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing during pregnancy
Authors: Wowdzia Jenna B. , Davenport Margie H.
Published: September 2020

The goal of this review is to examine practical considerations when conducting cardiopulmonary exercise testing during pregnancy. In a clinical and research setting, cardiopulmonary exercise testing during pregnancy is valuable in identifying underlying cardiopulmonary conditions, stratifying the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as establishing exercise tolerance/limitations. This review encompasses information regarding the unique physiological adaptations that occur throughout gestation (e.g., changes in resting heart rate, blood pressure, glucose, etc.) and how these adaptations impact the interpretation of physiological measurements. There are also key concerns that are unique to pregnant populations that should be considered when participating in exercise (i.e., fetus, ventilation, thermoregulation, urinary incontinence, low back pain, and pelvic girdle pain). This step‐by‐step review of cardiopulmonary exercise testing outlines pregnancy related adjustments to standardized methods (i.e., screening/documentation, pre‐ and post‐test measurements, protocol specifics, modality selection, and fetal monitoring) which should be considered for the safety of both the participant and fetus. Currently, pregnancy specific exercise testing guidelines are lacking. Therefore, we will be discussing the limitations of current recommendations such as a safe cut off for resting heart rate and pregnancy specific test termination criteria.
Enhanced mismatch selectivity of T4 DNA ligase far above the probe: Target duplex dissociation temperature
Authors: Osman Eiman A. , Alladin‐Mustan B. Safeenaz , Hales Sarah C. , Matharu Gunwant K. , Gibbs Julianne M.
Published: September 2020

T4 DNA ligase is a widely used ligase in many applications; yet in single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, it has been found generally lacking owing to its tendency to ligate mismatches quite efficiently. To address this lack of selectivity, we explored the effect of temperature on the selectivity of the ligase in discriminating single base pair mismatches at the 3′‐terminus of the ligating strand using short ligation probes (9‐mers). Remarkably, we observe outstanding selectivities when the assay temperature is increased to 7 °C to 13 °C above the dissociation temperature of the matched probe:target duplexes using commercially available enzyme at low concentration. Higher enzyme concentration shifts the temperature range to 13 °C to 19 °C above the probe:target dissociation temperatures. Finally, substituting the 5′‐phosphate terminus with an abasic nucleotide decreases the optimal temperature range to 7 °C to 10 °C above the matched probe:target duplex. We compare the temperature dependence of the T4 DNA ligase catalyzed ligation and a nonenzymatic ligation system to contrast the origin of their modes of selectivity. For the latter, temperatures above the probe:target duplex dissociation lead to lower ligation conversions even for the perfect matched system. This difference between the two ligation systems reveals the uniqueness of the T4 DNA ligase's ability to maintain excellent ligation yields for the matched system at elevated temperatures. Although our observations are consistent with previous mechanistic work on T4 DNA ligase, by mapping out the temperature dependence for different ligase concentrations and probe modifications, we identify simple strategies for introducing greater selectivity into SNP discrimination based on ligation yields.
Depressive symptoms and myeloproliferative neoplasms: Understanding the confounding factor in a complex condition
Authors: Padrnos Leslie , Scherber Robyn , Geyer Holly , Langlais Blake T. , Dueck Amylou C. , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Senyak Zhenya , Clark Matthew , Boxer Michael , Cotter Mary , Harrison Claire , Stonnington Cynthia , Geda Yonas , Mesa Ruben
Published: September 2020

Background

Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis, have severe function‐limiting symptom burden that is experienced by the majority of patients. Previous studies have suggested that depression may be present in over a quarter of MPN patients, but to date no studies have evaluated the relationship between depression and other variables such as symptoms.

Methods

A 70‐item internet based survey regarding fatigue and mood symptoms was developed by a multidisciplinary team of MPN investigators, patients and patient advocates including Patient Health Questionnaire and the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form was completed by over 1300 patients with MPN diagnosis.

Results

There were 309 respondents (23%) with PHQ‐2 scores ≥ 3. In this analysis, we found worse systemic symptom burden in individuals reporting depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests the importance of depression in contributing to as well as confounding symptomatology in MPN patients, and suggests that this critical variable should also be addressed by clinicians and researchers alike when comprehensively assessing symptom burden etiologies.
Particle beam radiation therapy for sinonasal malignancies: Single institutional experience at the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
Authors: Hu Weixu , Hu Jiyi , Huang Qingting , Gao Jing , Yang Jing , Qiu Xianxin , Kong Lin , Lu Jiade J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Sinonasal malignancies (SNM) include malignant neoplasms of various histologies that originate from the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity. This study reported the safety and efficacy of particle‐beam radiation therapy (PBRT) for the treatment of sinonasal malignancies.

Methods and materials

One‐hundred‐and‐eleven patients with nonmetastatic sinonasal malignancies received definitive (82.9%) or salvage (31.5%) PBRT. The majority (85.6%) of patients presented with T3/4 disease, and only 19 (17.1%) had R0 or R1 resection. Seventy (63.1%) patients received carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT), 37 received proton radiotherapy (PRT) followed by CIRT boost, and 4 received PRT alone. Prognostic factors were analyzed using Cox regression for univariate and multiple regression. Toxicities were reported using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03).

Results

The median follow‐up was 20.2 months for the entire cohort. The 2‐year local progression‐free survival (LPFS), regional progression‐free survival (RPFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 83%, 97.2%, 85.9%, 66%, and 82%, respectively. Re‐irradiation and large GTV were the significant factors for OS. Melanoma and sarcoma patients had significantly higher distant metastatic rate, and poorer OS and PFS. Late toxicity occurred in 22 (19.8%) patients, but only 4 (3.6%) patients experienced grades 3‐4 late toxicity.

Conclusions

Particle‐beam radiation therapy results in excellent local‐regional control with extremely low serve toxicities for patients with SNM. Sarcoma and melanoma were featured with a greater risk of death from distant dissemination. Patients who underwent re‐irradiation had significantly worse OS. PBRT is feasible and safe in the management of SNM.
Molecular insights of NADPH oxidases and its pathological consequences
Authors: Waghela Bhargav N. , Vaidya Foram U. , Agrawal Yashika , Santra Manas Kumar , Mishra Vinita , Pathak Chandramani
Published: September 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), formed by the partial reduction of oxygen, were for a long time considered to be a byproduct of cellular metabolism. Since, increase in cellular levels of ROS results in oxidative stress leading to damage of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids resulting in numerous pathological conditions; ROS was considered a bane for aerobic species. Hence, the discovery of NADPH oxidases (NOX), an enzyme family that specifically generates ROS as its prime product came as a surprise to redox biologists. NOX family proteins participate in various cellular functions including cell proliferation and differentiation, regulation of genes and protein expression, apoptosis, and host defence immunological response. Balanced expression and activation of NOX with subsequent production of ROS are critically important to regulate various genes and proteins to maintain homeostasis of the cell. However, dysregulation of NOX activation leading to enhanced ROS levels is associated with various pathophysiologies including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, ageing, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Although our current knowledge on NOX signifies its importance in the normal functioning of various cellular pathways; yet the choice of ROS producing enzymes which can tip the scale from homeostasis toward damage, as mediators of biological functions remain an oddity. Though the role of NOX in maintaining normal cellular functions is now deemed essential, yet its dysregulation leading to catastrophic events cannot be denied. Hence, this review focuses on the involvement of NOX enzymes in various pathological conditions imploring them as possible targets for therapies.

Significance of the study

The NOXs are multi‐subunit enzymes that generate ROS as a prime product. NOX generated ROS are usually regulated by various molecular factors and play a vital role in different physiological processes. The dysregulation of NOX activity is associated with pathological consequences. Recently, the dynamic proximity of NOX enzymes with different molecular signatures of pathologies has been studied extensively. It is essential to identify the precise role of NOX machinery in its niche during the progression of pathology. Although inhibition of NOX could be a promising approach for therapeutic interventions, it is critical to expand the current understanding of NOX's dynamicity and shed light on their molecular partners and regulators.
COVID‐19 pneumonia and pulmonary microembolism in a patient with B‐thalassemia major
Authors: Marziali Marco , Ribersani Michela , Losardo Anna Annunziata , Taglietti Fabrizio , Pugliese Pellegrina , Micozzi Alessandra , Gentile Giuseppe , Angeloni Antonio
Published: September 2020

We think that thalassemia is not necessarily a cause of aggravation of the clinical course in COVID‐19; however, certain key factors must be considered, such as the anemic condition, the likely pathogenic role of the virus on hemoglobin, and the hypercoagulable state to prevent any complications.
Solubility Parameter from an Acoustic Method: Temperature Effect and Applications to Petroleum
Authors: Santos David Caetano , Lima Eduardo Rocha de Almeida , Paredes Márcio Luís Lyra
Published: September 2020

The thermodynamic information relating cohesive energy and internal pressure is explored in order to calculate the solubility parameter for hydrocarbons, some of its mixtures, and crude oils taking into account the effect of temperature. Single‐phase data of pure hydrocarbons and some of their binary and ternary mixtures, such as speed of sound, density, and heat capacity at constant pressure, are used to adjust the proposed models. Finally, the results are compared with an experimental method recently presented by us in a previous publication. This evaluation demonstrates that the proposed methods are robust for highly saturated oils. Moreover, a general expression including SARA (percentage by weight of saturates S, aromatics A, resins R, and asphaltenes As) composition is proposed to predict the solubility parameter of oils with high content of resins and asphaltenes.
Aminal/Schiff‐Base Polymer to Fabricate Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanospheres for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Xinhua , Wang Nuoya , Zhu Xingxing , Chan Vincent , Zhao Ruikun , Chao Yimin
Published: September 2020

In this study, a polymer‐containing aminal and imine (C=N) linkages was synthesized from the reaction between p‐phthalaldehyde and 2,6‐diaminepyridine through nucleophilic addition. Subsequently, nitrogen‐doped carbon nanospheres (N‐CNSs) were fabricated by a process of sequential potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation and direct carbonization of the polymer. Interestingly, the mass ratio (x) of the polymer to KOH was found to play a crucial role in dictating the porosity, surface chemistry, and capacitive performance of the resulting CNSs. The optimization of x led to the formation of N‐CNS‐2 with a significantly larger specific surface area (809 m2 g−1, 98 % microporous content) and a high specific capacitance (732 F g−1) at 8 A g−1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. In addition, the electrode fabricated with N‐CNS‐2 showed excellent cycling stability along with 98 % of the initial specific capacitance after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The carbon precursor with the aminal linkage network has shown very promising potential in energy storage materials.
Plasmachemical Trace‐Oxygen Removal in a Coke Oven Gas with a Coaxial Packed‐Bed‐DBD Reactor
Authors: Nitsche Tim , Budt Marcus , Apfel Ulf‐Peter
Published: September 2020

The trace‐O2 removal in coke oven gas, which enables better utilization of its contained H2, is investigated with combinations of atmospheric nonthermal plasma and a Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. Herein it is shown that a coaxial packed‐bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor removes up to 80 % O2 in a model coke oven gas. Along this line, the H2 content and the usage of Al2O3 granules in the plasma zone have been identified as major factors for the plasmachemical trace‐O2 conversion. In contrast to the Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst, nonthermal plasma converts trace O2 at coke oven gas temperatures below 100 °C.
The Quest for Orally Available Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs)
Authors: Wang Lucia , Sharma Abhishek
Published: September 2020

Estrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα) is the target of endocrine therapies for the treatment of more than 70 % of ERα‐positive breast cancers. Selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) antagonize estrogen binding and target the receptor for degradation, representing the last line of treatment for resistant metastatic breast cancer patients. However, the clinical efficacy of the lone clinically approved SERD (Fulvestrant) is limited by its poor oral bioavailability. Recently, several analogues of GW5638, an acrylic acid‐based ERα ligand developed by Glaxo Research Institute in 1994, have been reported as promising orally bioavailable SERDs. Some of these compounds are currently in clinical trials, while various other structurally novel SERDs have also been reported by pharma as well as academic research groups. This review provides a critical analysis of the recent developments in orally available SERDs, with a focus on the structure–activity relationships, binding interactions and pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds
Marmosets have a greater diversity of c‐Fos response after hyperstimulation in distinct cortical regions as compared to rats
Authors: Magalhães Stefani Alves , Foresti Maira Licia , Barros Vanessa Novaes , Mello Luiz E.
Published: September 2020

Previous evidence indicated a potential mechanism that might support the fact that primates exhibit greater neural integration capacity as a result of the activation of different structures of the central nervous system, as compared to rodents. The current study aimed to provide further evidence to confirm previous findings by analyzing the patterns of c‐Fos expression in more neocortical structures of rats and marmosets using a more robust quantitative technique and evaluating a larger number of brain areas. Nineteen Wistar rats and 21 marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were distributed among control groups (animals without injections) and animals injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and euthanized at different time points after stimulus. Immunohistochemical detection of c‐Fos was quantified using unbiased and efficient stereological cell counting in eight neocortical regions. Marmosets had a c‐Fos expression that was notably more widely expressed (5× more cells) and longer lasting (up to 3 hr) than rats. c‐Fos expression in rats presented similar patterns of expression according to the function of the brain cortical structures (associative, sensorial, and motor functions), which was not observed for marmosets (in which no clear pattern could be drawn, and a more diverse profile emerged). Our results provide evidence that the marmoset brain has a greater neuronal activation after intense stimulation by means of PTZ and a more complex pattern of brain activation. We speculate that these functional differences may contribute for the understanding of the different neuronal processing capacities of the neocortex in these mammals' orders.
Gesture recognition based on multi‐modal feature weight
Authors: Duan Haojie , Sun Ying , Cheng Wentao , Jiang Du , Yun Juntong , Liu Ying , Liu Yibo , Zhou Dalin
Published: September 2020

With the continuous development of sensor technology, the acquisition cost of RGB‐D images is getting lower and lower, and gesture recognition based on depth images and Red‐Green‐Blue (RGB) images has gradually become a research direction in the field of pattern recognition. However, most of the current processing methods for RGB‐D gesture images are relatively simple, ignoring the relationship and influence between its two modes, and unable to make full use of the correlation factors between different modes. In view of the above problems, this paper optimizes the effect of RGB‐D information processing by considering the independent features and related features of multi‐modal data to construct a weight adaptive algorithm to fuse different features. Simulation experiments show that the method proposed in this paper is better than the traditional RGB‐D gesture image processing method and the gesture recognition rate is higher. Comparing the current more advanced gesture recognition methods, the method proposed in this paper also achieves higher recognition accuracy, which verifies the feasibility and robustness of this method.
Performance analysis of parallel high‐resolution image restoration algorithms on Intel supercomputer
Authors: Lirkov Ivan , Harizanov Stanislav , Paprzycki Marcin , Ganzha Maria
Published: September 2020

In this article, we present an experimental performance study of a parallel implementation of two Poissonian image restoration algorithms. Hybrid parallelization, based on MPI and OpenMP standards, is investigated. The implementation is tested for high‐resolution radiographic images, on a supercomputer based on Intel Xeon processors, combined with Intel Xeon Phi coprocessors. The experimental results show an essential improvement in the execution times, when running experiments for a variety of problem sizes, and number of threads.
Fully automated roadside parking spot detection in real time with deep learning
Authors: Çiçek Emre , Gören Sezer
Published: September 2020

Searching for a roadside parking spot in crowded cities is a burden. In this article, we propose a vision‐based mobile cloud parking management solution, which is fully automated such that it can find roadside parking spots in any street with flowing traffic. To develop such a system, we employ both object detection and road segmentation methods. Thus, we do not need to manually label and train for every distinct street and do not mark out parking spot boundaries and surrounding road areas. In our approach, fully convolutional networks, specifically the FCN‐VGG16 model and KITTI road dataset are used for road segmentation, whereas Faster Region‐based Convolutional Neural Networks and Microsoft Common Objects in Context dataset for object detection. Our Road Boundaries algorithm automatically identifies the road polygon excluding the roadside. The main contribution here is to differentiate the parked cars from the moving cars on the road and detect the available parking spot between the parked cars on the roadside and direct the driver to the nearest spot. On GPU, we achieved a frame rate of 1.5fps and up to 83% accuracy with flowing traffic and 92% with no traffic flow. These results promise a potential solution on a city‐wide scale.
Fish oil no better than placebo for depression in teens at risk for BPD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2020

A small randomized controlled trial compared monotherapy with fish oil to a placebo in a study of clinical and neurochemical effects on depressed adolescents with a family history of bipolar I disorder.
$75 annual limit for CM hampers stimulant addiction treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2020

In August, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) doubled down on constraints against contingency management (CM), the best treatment for stimulant use disorders. This ruling by the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) comes at the same time that HHS releases $1 billion for State Opioid Response (SOR) funds, which, for the first time, can be used for stimulant use disorders as well. It also comes just as stimulant use disorders are on the verge of taking over the opioid epidemic.
A low‐loss compact six‐bit DMTL phase shifter for phased array antenna applications
Authors: Teymoori Mir Majid , Dousti Massoud , Afrang Saeid
Published: September 2020

A phase shifter is one of the main components of radars and phased array systems. In this paper, a novel three‐state two‐bridge unit cell is presented for a compact low‐loss six‐bit distributed microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transmission line (DMTL) phase shifter. The proposed unit cell includes a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line, a MEMS bridge on the signal line, two metal‐air‐metal (MAM) capacitors on a glass substrate, and two additional electrodes under the MEMS bridge, near the signal line. Using these electrodes, it is possible to generate two different phase states employing the MEMS bridge, and the third state is produced by a metal‐air‐metal (MAM) bridge. Hence, the designed structure can generate three different phase shifts per unit cell (i.e., 5.625°, 11.25°, and 22.5° phase shifts). The novelty of this design is that the number of unit cells is considerably reduced from 64 in a conventional six‐bit phase shifter to only 17 in our design. Therefore, the total length of the six‐bit phase shifter and average loss are considerably reduced. The designed structure is calculated and simulated at 32 GHz using MATLAB and ANSOFT HFSS, respectively. According to the calculation and simulation results, the lateral size of the phase shifter is only 8.5 mm, the root mean square (RMS) phase error is 1.38°, and the average loss is 1.1 dB. The feasibility of the proposed design is investigated using the proposed fabrication process. The designed phase shifter can be easily scaled to other frequencies for radar and satellite applications with more bits.
Boost productivity, decrease stress by engaging in authentic conversations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2020

Remote work, Zoom meetings, emails, texts, and social media can help you stay connected to career and family while limiting your exposure to the COVID‐19 virus, but they won't protect you from catching the loneliness bug triggered by limiting your exposure to chit‐chat. Even before the shutdown brought on by the COVID‐19 pandemic, “the world was already experiencing a loneliness epidemic,” according to Celeste Headlee, an award‐winning journalist, professional speaker, and author of Heard Mentality and We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. She spoke during a webinar hosted by NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. “The human voice is healing,” she explained, and authentic interactions boost the immune systems of those involved.
Consider court ruling on accommodations for standardized testing
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: September 2020

More than 20 years ago, Marilyn Bartlett won her lawsuit to compel the New York State Board of Bar Examiners to accommodate her dyslexia by providing her extended testing time on the state bar examination. Although postsecondary institutions were already providing extended testing time for students with documented learning disabilities, high‐stakes testing agencies initially resisted comparable accommodations. Prodded by the threat of lawsuits — and in the case of the Law School Admission Council, a 2014 consent decree resolving a lawsuit brought by law school applicants, California, and the Department of Justice — admissions testing agencies reduced test accommodation barriers, but students and graduates with learning disabilities still faced obstacles to test accommodations from professional licensing bodies. A recent federal appeals court decision in Ramsay v. National Board of Medical Examiners reiterates that licensing bodies also must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing students and graduates appropriate extended time on multiple‐choice and written licensing exams.
Dapagliflozin significantly prolongs survival in CKD patients
Authors: Idris Iskandar
Published: September 2020

Data from a recent renal outcomes trial presented at the ESC Congress showed dapagliflozin significantly prolongs survival in patients with chronic kidney disease with and without type‐2 diabetes.
Waste glycerol derived bio‐propanol as a potential extender fuel for compressed ignition engine
Authors: Tomar Mukul , Sonthalia Ankit , Kumar Naveen , Dewal Hansham
Published: September 2020

In recent years there has been a significant rise in crude glycerol generation due to the booming biodiesel industries. Despite having immense benefits, the presence of poisonous methanol and fatty acids, glycerol is treated as a waste by‐product of biodiesel. In the present study, investigations have been carried out on utilizing the potential of glycerol derived bio‐propanol as an extender fuel with diesel/gasoline blends. Test fuels containing ternary blends of diesel/gasoline/bio‐propanol in different volume concentrations were prepared. The crude glycerol was procured from transesterified Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) oil. The physicochemical properties, along with stability and homogeneity of the test fuels were evaluated as per ASTM/EN standards and compared with the neat diesel. To study the effect of fuel properties on atomization process, the sauter mean diameter of the test fuels were observed using Malvern spraytec test. The engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a single‐cylinder diesel engine fuelled with different test fuels were also conducted. Due to the enhancement in mixing rate promoted by low cetane fuels, the ignition delay and heat release rate was higher than diesel. Moreover, the results also reveal upto 5% increase in brake thermal efficiency and a significant reduction in harmful exhaust emission with an increase in the gasoline and bio‐propanol share in the blend. The oxide of nitrogen (NOx) emissions was also lower than diesel for all the fuel blends. In comparison to diesel, the maximum reduction in NOx, HC, CO and smoke emissions is 7.4%, 33.3%, 55.7%, and 17.2%, respectively, for D40:G30:P30 fuel blend.
Predictors of high school dropout, anxiety, and depression in genetic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Syvertsen Marte , Vasantharajan Samitha , Moth Thea , Enger Ulla , Koht Jeanette
Published: September 2020

Affective disorders are overrepresented in epilepsy, and people with epilepsy may be at risk of dropping out from school. The aim of the present study was to assess factors influencing high school dropout, anxiety, and depression in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). One hundred and ten people with GGE aged 19‐40 years underwent a clinical interview, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Potential predictors of high school dropout were analyzed with logistic regression, and factors influencing total HADS score were analyzed with linear regression. Having felt excluded because of epilepsy was significantly associated with high school dropout (odds ratio 7.80, P = .009), as was total HADS score (odds ratio 1.22, P = .005). If a participant was currently employed or undergoing education, previous high school dropout was less likely (odds ratio 0.07, P = .005). High school dropout was associated with increased current anxiety and depression (β = 0.32, P = .005). Epilepsy severity (current drug resistance, current polytherapy, and active generalized tonic‐clonic seizures) was not associated with high school dropout, nor with total HADS score. The issue of stigma in epilepsy must be thoroughly addressed in comprehensive care and may be as important as seizure control when it comes to education and quality of life.
The relationship between perfectionism and eating‐related symptoms in adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Vacca Mariacarolina , Ballesio Andrea , Lombardo Caterina
Published: September 2020

The clinical significance of two major aspects of perfectionism, perfectionistic strivings (PS) and perfectionistic concerns (PC), in eating disorders (EDs) symptoms was well‐established among adults. However, no systematic review has assessed evidence examining associations between both unidimensional and multidimensional perfectionism and EDs in early and middle adolescence. For this aim, three online databases (PsycINFO, Medline and PsycArticle) were searched for articles published until January 2019, and observational studies were considered. Study quality was systematically appraised, and results were summarized using a narrative synthesis approach. Fifty‐one cross‐sectional and 28 longitudinal studies were included. Most studies supported the relationship between perfectionism and EDs, with the majority adopting a unidimensional approach for assessing perfectionism. Among studies that employed multidimensional measures of perfectionism, the majority (n = 11) of evidence supported the relationship between eating symptoms and PC, while fewer (n = 5) studies provided significant unique associations with PS. These findings are consistent with the body of research suggesting the strength of the relationship between PC and EDs was greater than between PS and EDs. It was recommended that preventive interventions should be primarily focused on reducing self‐critical perfectionism, since it resulted to be the most relevant perfectionistic dimension in the development of eating symptoms in adolescents.
Limits to scale invariance in alluvial rivers
Authors: Ferguson Rob
Published: September 2020

Assumptions about fluvial processes and process–form relations are made in general models and in many site‐specific applications. Many standard assumptions about reach‐scale flow resistance, bed‐material entrainment thresholds and transport rates, and downstream hydraulic geometry involve one or other of two types of scale invariance: a parameter (e.g. critical Shields number) has the same value in all rivers, or doubling one variable causes a fixed proportional change in another variable in all circumstances (e.g. power‐law hydraulic geometry). However, rivers vary greatly in size, gradient, and bed material, and many geomorphologists regard particular types of river as distinctive. This review examines the tension between universal scaling assumptions and perceived distinctions between different types of river. It identifies limits to scale invariance and departures from simple scaling, and illustrates them using large data sets spanning a wide range of conditions. Scaling considerations and data analysis support the commonly made distinction between coarse‐bed and fine‐bed reaches, whose different transport regimes can be traced to the different settling‐velocity scalings for coarse and fine grains. They also help identify two end‐member sub‐types: steep shallow coarse‐bed ‘torrents’ with distinctive flow‐resistance scaling and increased entrainment threshold, and very large, low‐gradient ‘mega rivers’ with predominantly suspended load, subdued secondary circulation, and extensive backwater conditions. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Fuel effects on aqueous film formation and foam degradation and their impact on fire suppression by foams containing fluorosurfactants
Authors: Hinnant Katherine , Button Michael , Giles Spencer , Snow Arthur , Ananth Ramagopal
Published: September 2020

Spreading coefficient, foam degradation, fuel transport through a foam layer, foam spread, and fire extinction time were collected by varying fuels for a given fluorosurfactant formulation. Varying fuel structure systematically enabled variation of foam‐fuel interactions, and spreading coefficients, which affected aqueous film formation. A wide range of spreading coefficients were studied using two foam formulations. Surfactant formulations with near‐zero or negative spreading coefficients (−1.2, −0.12 mN/m) suppressed the fires within the same time or faster than those with positive spreading coefficients (1.77, 3.28 mN/m). Both foams extinguished an iso‐octane and methylcyclohexane pool fire despite negative spreading coefficients on iso‐octane and positive spreading coefficients on methylcyclohexane. The fire extinction times collected relate more closely to foam degradation than to film formation. Foam degradation results showed a roughly 20% variation in lifetime between the two foams and the three fuels, consistent with fire extinction times. To understand the relationship between foam degradation and solution properties, a single lamella experiment was designed that monitors lamella thickness and lifetime. This experiment, relating solution to foam properties, will aid in the development of environmentally friendly surfactant replacements in firefighting foams.
An approximate well‐balanced upgrade of Godunov‐type schemes for the isothermal Euler equations and the drift flux model with laminar friction and gravitation
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Hossein , Naderi Lordejani Sajad , Berg Christian , Iapichino Laura , Schilders Wil H. A. , van de Wouw Nathan
Published: September 2020

In this article, approximate well‐balanced (WB) finite‐volume schemes are developed for the isothermal Euler equations and the drift flux model (DFM), widely used for the simulation of single‐ and two‐phase flows. The proposed schemes, which are extensions of classical schemes, effectively enforce the WB property to obtain a higher accuracy compared with classical schemes for both the isothermal Euler equations and the DFM in case of nonzero flow in the presences of both laminar friction and gravitation. The approximate WB property also holds for the case of zero flow for the isothermal Euler equations. This is achieved by defining a relevant average of the source terms which exploits the steady‐state solution of the system of equations. The new extended schemes reduce to the original classical scheme in the absence of source terms in the system of equations. The superiority of the proposed WB schemes to classical schemes, in terms of accuracy and computational effort, is illustrated by means of numerical test cases with smooth steady‐state solutions. Furthermore, the new schemes are shown numerically to be approximately first‐order accurate.
Interaction between iron and dihydromyricetin extracted from vine tea
Authors: Wang Liling , Qin Yuchuan , Wang Yanbin , Zhou Yifeng , Liu Bentong
Published: September 2020

In this research, the interaction between dihydromyricetin (DMY) obtained from vine tea and iron ions (Fe (II) and Fe (III)) was investigated at pH 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 with UV absorption and fluorescence quenching spectroscopy. The effects of DMY on the stability and solubility of iron ion were also studied. The results showed the presence of iron ions changed the UV absorption spectra of DMY at the experimental pH values. And the fluorescence spectra showed that iron ion had enhanced fluorescence effect on DMY. In addition, DMY was capable of protecting Fe (II) from being oxidized and improving the solubility of Fe (III).
Geotechnische und tunnelbautechnische Aspekte beim Bau der U5 in Frankfurt am Main
Authors: Budach Christoph , Kulkarni Raghu , Weiner Thorsten , Kirchner Sven
Published: September 2020

In der Frankfurter Innenstadt entsteht das Europaviertel, ein neuer Stadtteil, der mit einer U‐Bahnlinie erschlossen wird. In diesem Rahmen wird der Bau zweier paralleler Tunnelröhren über eine Länge von je ca. 840 m mittels eines erddruckgestützten Schildvortriebs mit Tübbingausbau realisiert. Der Arbeitsgemeinschaft (ARGE) U5 Europaviertel, bestehend aus den Partnern PORR und Stump, wurde vom Auftraggeber (AG), der Stadtbahn Europaviertel Projektbaugesellschaft (SBEV), diese Aufgabe Ende 2016 übertragen. Der Start zum Auffahren der südlichen Röhre hat im August 2019 begonnen. Das Projekt zeichnet sich durch eine anspruchsvolle Baugrundsituation aus. Hervorzuheben ist der Frankfurter Ton mit Kalk‐ und Sandsteinbänken. Als besondere Herausforderung ist der westliche Tunnelabschnitt unmittelbar nach der Anfahrt mit seinen inhomogenen Baugrundverhältnissen zu nennen.
Transcervical arterial ligation for prevention of postoperative hemorrhage in transoral oropharyngectomy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharbel Daniel D. , Abkemeier Mary , Sullivan James , Zimmerman Zach , Albergotti William G. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Byrd James Kenneth
Published: September 2020

Background

Transcervical arterial ligation has been studied as a useful procedure to prevent bleeding events after transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Methods

A systematic review of English‐language literature on arterial ligation in TORS from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and ScienceDirect databases. Studies evaluating ligation and rates of postoperative hemorrhage were included. Meta‐analysis of included studies was performed to assess impact of ligation on postoperative hemorrhage.

Results

Five studies with 2008 patients were included. History of radiation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.26, P = .02) and advanced tumor stage (OR = 1.93, P = .02) were found to predispose patients to postoperative hemorrhage. Arterial ligation was protective against severe hemorrhage in the mixed primary surgical modality cohort (OR = 0.33, P = .03) and in the TORS‐only subgroup (OR = 0.21, P = .02), but did not significantly impact overall odds of postoperative hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Transcervical arterial ligation offers protection against major/severe postoperative hemorrhage in patients undergoing TORS.

Level of Evidence

II.