bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of galvanotaxis of ciliated protozoan cells to automation of acute toxicity assay
Authors: Popov Anton , Vinokhodov Dmitriy , Rutto Marika
Published: December 2020

One of the most negative impacts of human activity on ecosystems is extensive environmental pollution. Large territories are polluted by different chemicals, which poses threat to any agricultural activity, not to speak of unhealthy life in such places. Thus, studying and developing express bioassay methods for risk assessment of chemical substances and aqueous media are now one of the most important problems in biotechnology. These bioassay methods can be used to success in ecology, agriculture, food industry, medicine, etc. In this paper we propose a method for automation of an acute toxicity assay. This method is based on the ability of Paramecium caudatum cells to move toward the cathode under a DC electric field.
The role of information modeling and automated technologies in the design and construction of high-rise buildings
Authors: Cherkina Vera , Petrenko Elena , Kirichenko Maxim , Samarin Pavel
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the work is to consider the role of information modeling and automated technologies in the design and construction of high - rise buildings. The introduction of digital information tools in the construction sector provides rich ground for the birth and growth of companies specializing in the application of technology in design and construction. While some of the technologies are new, many companies implement ideas proposed in building research several decades ago that were impractical without a reliable digital database of building information. High-rise building information modeling (BIM) itself dates back to a landmark 1975 paper; ideas for artificial intelligence and code-checking tools emerged in the mid-1980s; and construction robots have been working in research labs for decades. However, only during the last five years, venture capital began to actively look for a new company in the sector of construction technologies. After analyzing a number of innovations in the field of digital construction through their known past and their uncertain present, it was concluded that the prospects for the development of these innovations in the construction industry, especially in the construction of high-rise buildings, are quite high. The author came to the following conclusion: a review of three specific areas of construction technologies, representing design and planning, BIM-to-field and field-to-BIM applications, shows that the widespread adoption of BIM environments in the construction industry is not sufficient to ensure the effective use of the information they contain, or to use the potential of AI in this context.
Antidiabetical and hypoglycemic action of mushroom polysaccharides
Authors: Antonceva Ekaterina , Shamtsyan Mark
Published: December 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The World Health Organization identifies 4 types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes is characterized by inadequate production of insulin in the human body, type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glycemia and gestational diabetes. The following criteria are important in studies of antidiabetic action: the level of glucose in the blood plasma, the level of various types of lipoproteins, the effect on immunity, the antioxidant effect, the level of insulin in the blood plasma, the effect on the intestinal microbiota, structural changes in β-cells of the pancreas glands. Many cultures of fungi are demonstrated high activity against hypoglycaemia, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The glucan part is often found in the composition of the investigated mushroom preparations. The β-glucans of fungi are known for their wide and varied biological activities. There is a hypothesis that it is these substances that are responsible for the antidiabetic effect of fungi. According to researchers, it is possible to identify how many possible key mechanisms of action of natural polysaccharides on diabetes mellitus: - an increase in plasma insulin levels and a decrease in the activity of pancreatic glucagon; - an increase in the sensitivity of the insulin receptor and a decrease in insulin resistance; - increased synthesis of glycogen in the liver; - improving the use of glucose by peripheral tissues; - anti-inflammatory effect.
Treatment of chemoresistant cell lines with indolinone-based small molecules
Authors: Sagaidak Aleksandra , Lvova Milena , Garabadzhiu Aleksander , Romanova Angelina
Published: December 2020

Reduced delivery of the drug into the cell due to increased activity of specific transporter P-glycoprotein is one of the main mechanisms of drug resistance development. The inhibition of the activity of such a pump increases the intracellular concentration of the drug and contributes to cancer cell death. The combination of factors that allows one to overcome genetically determined resistance and to trigger apoptosis in one small molecule compound can lead to the development of new type of drugs for personalized therapy of chemoresistant tumors. In the course of work on optimization of MDM2 inhibitors based on indolinones and isoindolinones, we found fragments of the structure that can be modified with minimal risk of a decrease in the target activity. The combination of in silico and in vitro methods allowed the selection of compounds that showed strong binding to the target sites of P-glycoprotein and MDM2, and a good combination of solubility - membrane-active properties, which implies high bioavailability of the drug.
Specificity of social existence in megalopolis
Authors: Kutsepal Svitlana , Zinchenko Natalia , Perebyynis Yulia
Published: December 2020

The paper is aimed at carrying out the social and philosophical analysis of the factors that determine the specificity of being as a resident of the megalopolis. It proves that residents of the megalopolis are subjected to double pressure: first, they are pressurized by a crowd, part of which they are forced to be constantly, and secondly – by their own ambitions and desires. All this substantially complicates the possibilities of self-presentation and self-affirmation of an individual. The thesis that traditional values are transformed or neglected in the chronotype of the megalopolis and the value of consumption becomes the only dominant is also argued.
Coping with death and awareness of mortality in patients and their relatives
Authors: Littva Vladimir , Kralova Anna
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to analyze the attitudes of people – patients and their relatives in proximity of death and dying. End-stage of human life is often associated with changes in the scale of values and needs of the individual. Particular attention was paid to the needs and values that are associated with recognition of limitations concerning to earthly life, but also with the hope of eternal life. Generally, people think that the feelings and coping with death and dying are same in patients and their relatives. The truth is that coping with death and mortality is individual to each person. The problems related to the dying should be coped with by all: dying patients, their relatives and friends. Dying is not letting cold those who are in the presence of dying. In our study we used Acceptation of Dying and Coping with Mortality Questionnaire – 20 Items (ADCMQ20). Research sample consisted of 275 respondents: 95 dying patients and 180 their relatives. All data were processed by SPSS 24 statistical program.
Peculiarities of biographical research for the analysis of the informal teacher education
Authors: Zemaitaityte Irena , Pauriene Giedre , Petrauskiene Alina
Published: December 2020

The article reviews peculiarities of biographical research. Emphasis is placed on the experiences determined by the biographical circumstances, which have served educators as impetus for informal studies, as well as founding layers for the growth of pedagogical professional competencies. When discussing lifelong learning and the growing demands on educators' professionalism, it is most important to understand how the competences of the teaching profession develop in informal learning; next, it is possible to identify the structures that enable this process. The aim of the article is to reveal the peculiarities of a biographical method and the expression of pedagogical competences of the pedagogical professionals formed through informal learning and stimulated by biographical circumstances. The analysis and results of the obtained data base on the study logic of the construction of the abduction theory according to Peirce and the Grounded theory methodology according to Strauss and Corbin [1]. The research revealed that the processes of informal learning, critical for the competencies of an educator‘s profession, take their route in childhood. Learning experiences in childhood, as well as further biographical experiences not only determine the interest in the pedagogical profession, but also determine pedagogical abilities and values.
Kardiovaskuläre CT – Stellenwert in der Radiologie
Authors: Haferkamp Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Dieser Artikel gibt einen kompakten Überblick über die kardiovaskuläre Bildgebung in der Radiologie, die seit einigen Jahren immer mehr an Bedeutung gewinnt. Gerade die CT strebt mit steigenden Untersuchungszahlen und ihren unschlagbaren Vorteilen wie kurzen Untersuchungszeiten, hoher Verfügbarkeit und geringer Komplikationsrate zu einer neuen Domäne der nicht invasiven Koronararteriendarstellung.
PET-basierte Bestrahlungsplanung
Authors: Grunert Michael , Prasad Vikas
Published: December 2020

Die Strahlentherapie ist fest in der Behandlung von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren verankert, und die [18F]-FDG-PET hat als PET / CT und PET / MRT einen zunehmenden Stellenwert in der personalisierten Therapie bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren. Der Beitrag thematisiert die elementare Bedeutung einer Erfassung der genauen Tumorausdehnung und der daraus resultierenden Bestimmung der Tumorvolumina in der bildbasierten Strahlentherapieplanung als Grundlage für die erfolgreiche Bestrahlung.
Therapie einer Distalbisslage mit mandibulärer Schwenkung
– ein Fallbericht
Authors: Kley Katrin , Jung Britta A.
Published: December 2020

Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt die Therapie eines jugendlichen Patienten
mit einer skelettalen Klasse II und mandibulärer Schwenkung mittels
funktionskieferorthopädischer Geräte (herausnehmbar und
festsitzende Klasse-II-Mechanik).
Die diagnostische Therapie – Schlüssel zum Erfolg des
CMD-Kieler-Konzeptes dgT
Authors: Fischer-Brandies Helge , Asche Marc-Daniel , Wunderlich Christian
Published: December 2020

Zur Behandlung von Patienten mit craniomandibulären Dysfunktionen (CMD)
wurde das interdisziplinäre CMD-Kieler-Konzept einer
diagnostikgesteuerten Therapie (dgT) entwickelt Es beruht auf den über
Jahrzehnte gesammelten Erfahrungen des Kieler CMD-Teams. Im Zentrum des
Therapiekonzeptes steht die diagnostische Therapie, die Elemente der Diagnostik
und der Therapie vereint. Die Anamnese, die Analyse der Okklusion, die
Kiefergelenks-Funktionsanalyse, die Untersuchung des neuromuskulären
Systems und bei Bedarf ein Kiefergelenks-MRT im Rahmen der Anfangsuntersuchung
des Patienten führen zum organspezifischen Befund. Er enthält
jedoch nur unvollständige Angaben darüber, ob die erhobenen
Befunde Beschwerden verursachen, behandelt werden müssen und wie diese
im biologischen System zusammenhängen. Diese Information liefert die
diagnostische Therapie. Wir verstehen darunter die initiale Phase der Behandlung
meist mit Schiene und eine manuelle Therapie über einen Zeitraum von
mindestens 6 Wochen. Aus der kontinuierlichen diagnostischen Beobachtung
resultiert der beschwerde- und therapierelevante Befund. Auf dieser Grundlage
entwickeln die Behandler in enger interdisziplinärer Abstimmung
miteinander die Hypothesen der Pathogenese, die Therapieziele und das
Therapiekonzept. Der Artikel beschreibt die diagnostische Therapie anhand
praktischer Beispiele als zentralen Bestandteil des CMD-Kieler-Konzeptes dgT. So
ist eine zielgerichtete erfolgreiche Behandlung der CMD auch in schwierigen
Fällen möglich.
Effects of a One-week Vacation with Various Activity Programs on Metabolism and Adipokines
Authors: Neumayr Günther , Engler Clemens , Lunger Lukas , Lechleitner Peter
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted as part of a larger study of East Tyrolean health tourism, and investigates the effects of an active seven-day vacation on metabolic parameters and adipokines. Fifty-two healthy vacationers participated in two types of vacation activities (golf vs. Nordic walking or e-biking [nw&eb]). In the former group, 30 subjects played golf for a mean duration of 33.5 h per week; in the NW&EB group, 22 persons performed Nordic walking or e-biking for a mean duration of 14.2 h per week. Metabolic parameters and adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, GF-21, irisin, omentin-1, betatrophin, and resistin, were measured one day before and one day after the stay. After one week, only the NW&EB group experienced a significant decrease of 1.0 kg in body weight. Significant changes in HDL-C, FGF-21, irisin, and omentin-1 were seen in the golf group; and in triglycerides, HbA1c, leptin and adiponectin in the NW&EB group. No significant changes in betatrophin or resistin were registered in either group. A seven-day vacation with an activity program for several hours per week causes favorable changes in metabolic parameters and adipokines known to be involved in the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome. The changes differed in their magnitude and significance, depending on the type of activity.
The Effect of Age and Activity Level on Stem Subsidence in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Zak Stephen , Greenbaum Simon , Singh Vivek , Schwarzkopf Ran , Davidovitch Roy I.
Published: December 2020

The average length of hospital stay (LOS) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is decreasing due to a variety of factors, including rapid patient mobilization. With increased early joint loading, certain populations, such as those with low systemic bone mineral density, may be at an increased risk for early stem instability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activity level and patient age affect femoral stem stability and early subsidence. We retrospectively reviewed 821 patients who underwent primary cementless THA. Two cohorts were established based on LOS as a proxy for activity: (1) same calendar day discharge (SDD) and (2) multiple day stay (MDS). Descriptive patient characteristics as well as surgical and clinical data including surgical time, stem alignment, and Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) scores were collected. Stem subsidence was assessed by comparing immediate postoperative radiographs with follow-up radiographs taken no less than 3 months after surgery (9.79 ± 6.50 months). Our sample population consisted of 255 SDD (31%) and 566 MDS (69%) patients. Stem subsidence rate was significantly lower in the SDD than the MDS group (0.916 vs. 1.80 mm, p < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with a higher rate of stem subsidence (β = 0.823, p < 0.001). Increased LOS was also associated with increased age (odds ratio = 1.092, p < 0.001). Higher postoperative mobility determined by AM-PAC scores was not associated with shorter LOS (p = 0.630). The result of this study showed increased activity level does not increase rate of subsidence in THA patients, which supports the safety and efficacy of expedited recovery programs. Increased age was found to increase stem subsidence regardless of LOS.
Heat management in ion trap optical clocks leads to extremely low uncertainties
Authors: Ishimaru Matthew
Published: December 2020

Combination of careful design, infrared measurements and numerical simulations show potential to reduce temperature-based uncertainty in optical clocks.
The erasure of nature in the discourse of oil production
Authors: Chen Wenge , Bartlett Tom , Peng Huiling
Published: December 2020

This two-part article suggests ways in which elements of antagonistic discourses of the environment might be combined in a hybrid, innovative discourse that appeals to a broad section of the public while advocating for more environmentally sustainable practices in industry. It proposes an enhanced Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA) that not only identifies points of fissure in the hegemonic discourse but also seeks points of convergence that can be articulated with in a hybrid, counter-hegemonic discourse that maximizes its potential for uptake while destabilizing the prevailing discourses at precisely the fissure points identified. Part I explores the theoretical grounding for an enhanced PDA, introduces the research method and then, based on Stibbe (2016), makes an eco-discourse analysis of discourses by Shell Oil Company (SOC), with a focus on their discourse semantic patterns, showcasing how hegemonic groups employ discourse strategies to serve their interests and what ecological effects such discourses may produce. In Part II (Chen et al. 2021), a comparative analysis is conducted on the SOC discourses and the Greenpeace discourses. As well as highlighting the points of antagonism between the two discourses, it attempts to seek out points of convergence between progressive positions in the discourses. Part II also explores the potential fissures in the hegemonic order and discusses the design of alternative discourses thereupon. It is argued that an enhanced PDA which focuses on solutions rather than problems and collaboration rather than resistance forms a route for positive and interventionist orientations to discourse that promote social change.
The bifocal metalenses for independent focusing of orthogonally circularly polarized light
Authors: Chen Deli , Wang Junjie , Wang Shuai , Zhao Saili , Qi Yongle , Sun Xiaohong
Published: December 2020

Compared with traditional optical lenses, metalenses have obvious advantages of ultra-thin and easy-integration. In this paper, resonant phase and geometric phase are combined to design a metalens that can independently control the focus of right-handed circular polarization (RCP) and left-handed circular polarization (LCP) light. This solves the disadvantage that resonant phase or geometric phase alone cannot focus the RCP and LCP light at any two different positions simultaneously and independently. Two types of metalenses have been designed. One is off-axis metalens, which can focus RCP and LCP light in symmetric and asymmetric positions, respectively. The other is on-axis metalens, which can realize the bifocal effect of RCP and LCP light at different positions along the axis. Furthermore, by increasing the numerical aperture, the maximum electric field energy intensity and full width at half maximum of two focal points of the same metalens can gradually approach each other. This provides a new way for the regulation of polarization-dependent imaging, information detection, as well as the possibility of realizing multi-functional metasurface devices.
CdSe quantum dot organic solar cells with improved photovoltaic performance
Authors: Yang Xi-Kai , Qiao Jia-Wei , Chen Zhi-Hao , Wen Zhen-Chuan , Yin Hang , Hao Xiao-Tao
Published: December 2020

We adopt inorganic semiconducting CdSe quantum dots (QDs) as a third component in the PTB7-Th:PC71BM-based organic solar cells due to their advantages of strong absorbance, high conductivity, and good solution processability. With the blending of low-dosage CdSe QDs, the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and power conversion efficiencies can be improved by 13% and 11%, respectively, in the ternary device. Compared with the control device, CdSe QDs can effectively modulate the charge dynamics and lead to enhanced fluorescence external quantum efficiency. Moreover, effective Förster resonance energy transfer and fast charge transfer can be observed in the CdSe QD-based bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) films, and therefore improve the overall performance of the organic photovoltaic devices. This work provides an effective method by adopting CdSe QDs to fabricate high-performance PTB7-Th:PC71BM BHJ solar cells.
Mixed-phase effect of a high Seebeck coefficient and low electrical resistivity in Ag2S
Authors: Kim Gareoung , Byeon Dogyun , Singh Saurabh , Hirata Keisuke , Choi Seongho , Matsunami Masaharu , Takeuchi Tsunehiro
Published: December 2020

The improvement of thermoelectric performance is very challenging, because the thermoelectric properties, the Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity are generally correlated with each other via a common physical quantity known as carrier concentration. In this study, we successfully achieved separate control of the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline Ag2S using spatial-phase separation into low- and high-temperature phases using a configuration based on bottom heating and top measurement. We experimentally confirmed that the Seebeck coefficient was determined by the low-temperature phase at the top surface but the electrical resistivity was dominated by the high-temperature phase lying below the low-temperature phase. As a result, a high Seebeck coefficient (

∼
−
650
μ

V

K

−
1

) and low electrical resistivity (

∼
2

m
Ω
 
cm

) were simultaneously observed over a broad temperature range (390 ∼ 440 K). This experimental discovery suggests a new concept for thermoelectric materials and devices.
Liquid to supercooled-liquid crossover from a Boltzmann transport approach to escape and diffusion
Authors: Piscitelli A , Ciamarra M Pica
Published: December 2020

We develop a model describing the motion of a non-Brownian particle in a periodic potential, which we then use to predict the temperature dependence of the diffusivity of a glass-former. In the model, the velocity of the particle is drawn for the equilibrium distribution at rate 1/t
c, where t
c is the intercollision time in the relaxation time approximation. Solutions within a Boltzmann transport approach show that the diffusivity crossovers from a low-t
c regime in which the particle at most crosses a single barrier in between two successive collisions, to a high-t
c regime in which the particle may cross several barriers. We then use our model to predict the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient of a system of harmonic-spheres, whose energy landscape has features resembling those of the potential considered in our model. We successfully recover a crossover in the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient observed through numerical dynamics simulations, as well as the relationship of the diffusivity on the temperature in the high-temperature limit.
Using personal monitoring data to derive organ doses for medical radiation workers in the Million Person Study—considerations regarding NCRP Commentary no. 30
Authors: Yoder C , Balter S , Boice Jr J D , Grogan H , Mumma M , Rothenberg L N , Passmore C , Vetter R J , Dauer L T
Published: December 2020

The study of low dose and low-dose rate exposure is of central importance in understanding the possible range of health effects from prolonged exposures to radiation. The One Million Person Study of Radiation Workers and Veterans (MPS) of low-dose health effects was designed to evaluate radiation risks among healthy American workers and veterans. The MPS is evaluating low-dose and dose-rate effects, intakes of radioactive elements, cancer and non-cancer outcomes, as well as differences in risks between women and men. Medical radiation workers make up a large group of individuals occupationally exposed to low doses of radiation from external x-ray/gamma exposures. For the MPS, about 100 000 United States medical radiation workers have been selected for study. The approach to the complex dosimetry circumstances for such workers over three to four decades of occupation were initially and broadly described in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 178. NCRP Commentary No. 30 provides more detail and describes an optimum approach for using personal monitoring data to estimate lung and other organ doses applicable to the cohort and provides specific precautions/considerations applicable to the dosimetry of medical radiation worker organ doses for use in epidemiologic studies. The use of protective aprons creates dosimetric complexity. It is recommended that dose values from dosimeters worn over a protective apron be reduced by a factor of 20 for estimating mean organ doses to tissues located in the torso and that 15% of the marrow should be assumed to remain unshielded for exposure scenarios when aprons are worn. Conversion coefficients relating personal dose equivalent, H
p(10) in mSv, to mean absorbed doses to organs and tissues, D
T in mGy, for females and males for six exposure scenarios have been determined and presented for use in the MPS. This Memorandum summarises several key points in NCRP Commentary No. 30.
The mechanical property and microscopic deformation mechanism of nanoparticle-contained graphene foam materials under uniaxial compression
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Wang Chao , Wang Shuai , Fang Daining , Chen Shaohua
Published: December 2020

Nanoparticle-contained graphene foams have found more and more practical applications in recent years, which desperately requires a deep understanding on basic mechanics of this hybrid material. In this paper, the microscopic deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of such a hybrid material under uniaxial compression, that are inevitably encountered in applications and further affect its functions, are systematically studied by the coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation method. Two major factors of the size and volume fraction of nanoparticles are considered. It is found that the constitutive relation of nanoparticle filled graphene foam materials consists of three parts: the elastic deformation stage, deformation with inner re-organization and the final compaction stage, which is much similar to the experimental measurement of pristine graphene foam materials. Interestingly, both the initial and intermediate modulus of such a hybrid material is significantly affected by the size and volume fraction of nanoparticles, due to their influences on the microstructural evolution. The experimentally observed ‘spacer effect’ of such a hybrid material is well re-produced and further found to be particle-size sensitive. With the increase of nanoparticle size, the micro deformation mechanism will change from nanoparticles trapped in the graphene sheet, slipping on the graphene sheet, to aggregation outside the graphene sheet. Beyond a critical relative particle size 0.26, the graphene-sheet-dominated deformation mode changes to be a nanoparticle-dominated one. The final microstructure after compression of the hybrid system converges to two stable configurations of the ‘sandwiched’ and ‘randomly-stacked’ one. The results should be helpful not only to understand the micro mechanism of such a hybrid material in different applications, but also to the design of advanced composites and devices based on porous materials mixed with particles.
Phase-coherent transport in trigonal gallium nitride nanowires
Authors: Park Tae-Eon , Min Byoung-Chul , Lee Jaejun , Jeon Jeehoon , Lee Ki-Young , Choi Heon-Jin , Chang Joonyeon
Published: December 2020

Gallium nitride nanowires (GaN NWs) with triangular cross-section exhibit universal conductance fluctuations (UCF) originating from the quantum interference of electron wave functions in the NWs. The amplitude of UCF is inversely proportional to the applied bias current. The bias dependence of UCF, combined with temperature dependence of the resistance suggests that phase coherent transport dominates over normal transport in GaN NWs. A unique temperature dependence of phase-coherent length and fluctuation amplitude is associated with inelastic electron–electron scattering in NWs. The phase-coherence length extracted from the UCF is as large as 400 nm at 1.8 K, and gradually decreases as temperature increases up to 60 K.
Effectiveness of Hall current and ion slip on hydromagnetic biologically inspired flow of Cu − Fe
3
O
4/H
2
O hybrid nanomaterial
Authors: Akbar Y , Abbasi F M , Shehzad S A
Published: December 2020

Heat transfer augmentation is a significant concern in numerous engineering and industrial cooling/heating appliances nowadays. The usage of hybrid nanoliquids has been drawing attention of scientists in order to reduce the limitations of nanofluids and merge the chemical and physical characteristics of nanoparticles in an effective manner. Keeping such effectiveness in mind, present article aims to investigate the peristaltic flow of hybrid nanofluid with heat transfer and irreversibility analysis. Hybrid nanofluid is formed by mixing copper (Cu) and iron oxide (Fe
3
O
4) nanoparticles in water (H
2
O). The Cu − Fe
3
O
4 hybrid nanofluid with nanoparticles volume concentration 2% is used in this study. Impacts of Hall current, ion-slip, mixed convection and viscous dissipation are taken into consideration. Mathematical modeling for entropy generation is formulated via second law of thermodynamics. Governing equations of given problem are first converted into ordinary differential equations by employing lubrication approach. Obtained dimensionless equations are then tackled analytically with the aid of regular perturbation technique. Results reveal that temperature of hybrid nanofluid decreases by improving concentration of nanoparticles. Heat transfer rate at wall increases by improving Hartman number. Entropy generation reduces by improving Hall and ion-slip parameters. Bejan number increases by increasing Hartman number. Velocity of hybrid nanofluid increases by enhancing Grashof number. Pressure gradient of hybrid nanofluid increases by increasing Hall parameter. Pressure rise per wavelength decreases by enhancing ion-slip parameter. A comparison of temperature for base fluid, nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid is also furnished in tabular form. Additionally, comparison of numerical and analytical outcomes of velocity is also provided graphically. It is anticipated that the present study provides a theoretical data for the selection and design of hybrid nanofluid based heat exchanger.
Precise underwater distance measurement using laser frequency comb
Authors: Xu Xinyang , Zhao Haihan , Zhang Ziqiang , Zhai Jingsheng , Wu Hanzhong
Published: December 2020

Underwater distance measurement has been playing an important role in the fields of underwater navigation, search and rescue, and bathymetric survey. However, limited by the measurement sources (e.g. acoustic pulses or incoherent optical pulses), the precision can only achieve centimeter level at best, which greatly obstructs the advancement of underwater science and technology. Recent developments of optical frequency combs have given rise to revolutionary progress in metrology, spectroscopy, and optical distance measurement in air. However, frequency comb-based underwater distance measurement has rarely been reported. In this work, we describe a spectral interferometry-based method using a laser frequency comb at 518 nm (green light), which is capable of underwater distance measurement with high precision and accuracy. Due to the inherently dispersive characteristic of water, the measurement pulse will be chirped, and the spectrograms exhibit unstable oscillations, the spectral phase of which features a quadratic law. Distances up to 4.4 m and displacements down to 5 μm underwater can be determined by virtue of the spectral phases. The experimental results show the differences within ±4 μm at 4.4 m range, compared to the reference values. The Allan deviation is 1.596 μm at 5 s averaging time, 481 nm at 100 s averaging time, and can achieve 261 nm with 540 s averaging time. Our work could provide a promising and powerful tool for underwater distance measurement with high precision at long range, and open the door to a host of underwater applications related to the measurement of distance, e.g. mapping and positioning.
Effects of Accounting for Interval-Censored Antibody Titer Decay on Seroincidence in a Longitudinal Cohort Study of Leptospirosis
Authors: Owers Bonner Katharine A , Cruz Jaqueline S , Sacramento Gielson A , de Oliveira Daiana , Nery Nivison , Carvalho Mayara , Costa Federico , Childs James E , Ko Albert I , Diggle Peter J
Published: December 2020

Accurate measurements of seroincidence are critical for infections undercounted by reported cases, such as influenza, arboviral diseases, and leptospirosis. However, conventional methods of interpreting paired serological samples do not account for antibody titer decay, resulting in underestimated seroincidence rates. To improve interpretation of paired sera, we modeled exponential decay of interval-censored microscopic agglutination test titers using a historical data set of leptospirosis cases traced to a point source exposure in Italy in 1984. We then applied that decay rate to a longitudinal cohort study conducted in a high-transmission setting in Salvador, Brazil (2013–2015). We estimated a decay constant of 0.926 (95% confidence interval: 0.918, 0.934) titer dilutions per month. Accounting for decay in the cohort increased the mean infection rate to 1.21 times the conventionally defined rate over 6-month intervals (range, 1.10–1.36) and 1.82 times that rate over 12-month intervals (range, 1.65–2.07). Improved estimates of infection in longitudinal data have broad epidemiologic implications, including comparing studies with different sampling intervals, improving sample size estimation, and determining risk factors for infection and the role of acquired immunity. Our method of estimating and accounting for titer decay is generalizable to other infections defined using interval-censored serological assays.
Field Observations of Body Temperature for the Wolf Spider,Rabidosa rabida(Araneae: Lycosidae), Differ From Reported Laboratory Temperature Preference Suggesting Thermoconforming Behavior
Authors: Stork Ryan , Smith Payton , Aaen Corbin , Cooper Steve
Published: December 2020

Temperature affects all aspects of ectotherm ecology, behavior, and physiology. Descriptions of thermal ecology are important for understanding ecology in changing thermal environments. Both laboratory and field estimates are important for understanding thermal ecology. Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer 1837) (Araneae: Lycosidae) is a large wolf spider with some natural history, including laboratory estimates of thermal preference, tolerance, and performance, reported in the scientific literature. Laboratory tests suggest the active choice of temperature environment. To test published estimates of thermal ecology from the laboratory, we took body temperature measurements of mature spiders in the field nocturnally and diurnally using a FLIR camera in July 2019. We made comparisons between sexes and activity periods using field observations. We compared these measurements with the published values for thermal preferences and thermal maximum and with mean weather station data. Observed field temperatures differed significantly from published preference, but not from mean temperature from a local weather station. This suggests that this species is thermoconforming rather than actively thermoregulating. Reported thermal preference fell between the diurnal and nocturnal mean measurements closer to the diurnal than nocturnal temperatures. These field observations show how important it is to make field observations for physiology and thermal ecology. Maximum observed diurnal temperatures closely approached the published critical thermal maximum. We observed spiders performing behaviors such as hunting and feeding in conditions well above published thermal preference and near-critical high temperature. These observations suggest that R. rabida is thermoconforming in this limited period but does not rule out that they might thermoregulate in certain situations.
Neural circuit repair after central nervous system injury
Authors: Tsujioka Hiroshi , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: December 2020

Central nervous system injury often causes lifelong impairment of neural function, because the regenerative ability of axons is limited, making a sharp contrast to the successful regeneration that is seen in the peripheral nervous system. Nevertheless, partial functional recovery is observed, because axonal branches of damaged or undamaged neurons sprout and form novel relaying circuits. Using a lot of animal models such as the spinal cord injury model or the optic nerve injury model, previous studies have identified many factors that promote or inhibit axonal regeneration or sprouting. Molecules in the myelin such as myelin-associated glycoprotein, Nogo-A or oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein, or molecules found in the glial scar such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, activate Ras homolog A (RhoA) signaling, which leads to the collapse of the growth cone and inhibit axonal regeneration. By contrast, axonal regeneration programs can be activated by many molecules such as regeneration-associated transcription factors, cyclic AMP, neurotrophic factors, growth factors, mechanistic target of rapamycin or immune-related molecules. Axonal sprouting and axonal regeneration largely share these mechanisms. For functional recovery, appropriate pruning or suppressing of aberrant sprouting are also important. In contrast to adults, neonates show much higher sprouting ability. Specific cell types, various mouse strains and different species show higher regenerative ability. Studies focusing on these models also identified a lot of molecules that affect the regenerative ability. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neural circuit repair will lead to the development of better therapeutic approaches for central nervous system injury.
Murepavadin antimicrobial activity against and resistance development in cystic fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Authors: Díez-Aguilar María , Hernández-García Marta , Morosini María-Isabel , Fluit Ad , Tunney Michael M , Huertas Natalia , del Campo Rosa , Obrecht Daniel , Bernardini Francesca , Ekkelenkamp Miquel , Cantón Rafael
Published: December 2020

Background

Murepavadin, a novel peptidomimetic antibiotic, is being developed as an inhalation therapy for treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory infection in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It blocks the activity of the LptD protein in P. aeruginosa causing outer membrane alterations.

Objectives

To determine the in vitro activity of murepavadin against CF P. aeruginosa isolates and to investigate potential mechanisms of resistance.

Methods

MIC values were determined by both broth microdilution and agar dilution and results compared. The effect of artificial sputum and lung surfactant on in vitro activity was also measured. Spontaneous mutation frequency was estimated. Bactericidal activity was investigated using time–kill assays. Resistant mutants were studied by WGS.

Results

The murepavadin MIC50 was 0.125 versus 4 mg/L and the MIC90 was 2 versus 32 mg/L by broth microdilution and agar dilution, respectively. Essential agreement was >90% when determining in vitro activity with artificial sputum or lung surfactant. It was bactericidal at a concentration of 32 mg/L against 95.4% of the strains within 1–5 h. Murepavadin MICs were 2–9 two-fold dilutions higher for the mutant derivatives (0.5 to >16 mg/L) than for the parental strains. Second-step mutants were obtained for the PAO mutS reference strain with an 8×MIC increase. WGS showed mutations in genes involved in LPS biosynthesis (lpxL1, lpxL2, bamA2, lptD, lpxT and msbA).

Conclusions

Murepavadin characteristics, such as its specific activity against P. aeruginosa, its unique mechanism of action and its strong antimicrobial activity, encourage the further clinical evaluation of this drug.
Does complete-staging lymphadenectomy improve survival outcomes in stage I endometrioid epithelial ovarian carcinoma? A multi-institutional retrospective study with propensity score-weighted analysis
Authors: Yoshihara Masato , Tamauchi Satoshi , Iyoshi Shohei , Kitami Kazuhisa , Uno Kaname , Tano Sho , Matsui Shigeyuki , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: December 2020

Background

We investigated the prognostic impact of complete-staging lymphadenectomy on patients with clinically apparent Stage I endometrioid epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Methods

We conducted a regional multi-institutional retrospective study between 1986 and 2018. Amongst 4897 patients with malignant ovarian tumours diagnosed under central pathological review, 259 women with Stage I endometrioid epithelial ovarian carcinoma were eligible. We evaluated differences in survival of patients with both pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (Group A) and those with only pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or clinical lymph node evaluation (Group B). To analyse the therapeutic effects, the baseline imbalance between patients with both pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy and others was adjusted with an inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity score involving independent clinical variables.

Results

In total, 145 patients (56.0%) received both pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. With propensity score-based adjustment, estimated survival was better in Group A compared with that in Group B but not significant. Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy also led to no significant improvement of overall survival in most of the subgroups. However, point estimations of the hazard ratio for lymphadenectomy in patients with an age of 45 or younger (hazard ratio, 0.304; 95% confidence interval, 0.094–0.982), a Grade 1–2 (hazard ratio, 0.441; 95% confidence interval, 0.204–0.954) and T1c2–3 tumour (hazard ratio, 0.449; 95% confidence interval, 0.164–1.231) were better compared with those with the opposite characteristics.

Conclusions

Complete-staging lymphadenectomy was not a significant prognostic factor in patients with Stage I endometrioid epithelial ovarian carcinoma, where we still need to explore appropriate candidate for the procedure.
Brady v Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2020] EWHC 158: ‘Pure Diagnosis’ Claims and Setting the Professional Standard of Care
Authors: Schnobel Samantha A
Published: December 2020

In Brady v Southend University Hospital NHS Trust, the High Court was asked to consider the applicability of Bolam and Bolitho principles in a so-called ‘pure diagnosis’ claim. The claimant suffered from the long-term effects of an undiagnosed bacterial infection after presenting at the defendant hospital with acute appendicitis. It was argued by claimant’s counsel that where the primary allegation of fault concerns diagnosis, no issues of acceptable practice arise and therefore Bolam and Bolitho do not apply. Rejecting this, the High Court confirmed the applicability of Bolam and Bolitho and found that the defendant hospital had not been negligent. Initially, this result may signal a continued deference towards those in the medical profession, however, it is suggested that an alternative reading evidences a case which lays the groundwork for reconsidering the doctor–patient relationship in the context of treatment and diagnosis actions.
Mapping Cochlear Duct Length to Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials in Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Mlynski Robert , Lüsebrink Adele , Oberhoffner Tobias , Langner Soenke , Weiss Nora M.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Objective measurements may assist in indicating cochlear implants and in predicting outcomes of cochlear implantation surgery. Using electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAP), information about the function of the auditory nerve can be obtained by analyzing responses to electrical stimulation transmitted and derived by the recording electrode. The aim of this study was to determine whether ECAP characteristics differ depending on the stimulated intracochlear region and the size of the cochlea.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

University Medical center, tertiary academic referral center.

Patients:

Patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery between 2015 and 2018.

Intervention:

Cochlear implantation with FLEXsoft electrode arrays (length 31.5 mm, 12 stimulating channels).

Main Outcome Measures:

The cochlear duct length (CDL) and the cochlear coverage (CC) were measured using a new computed tomography-based software and correlated to the postoperative speech performance. Additionally, ECAP were measured and associated to the CDL.

Results:

A total of 59 ears of 53 cochlear implant users with a mean age of 63.6 (SD 14.9) years were included. The mean estimated CDL was 35.0 (SD 2.2) mm. The mean CC was 90.3% (SD 5.5%). A total of 4,873 ECAP were measured. A statistically significant, moderate, negative correlation between the ECAP slope and the site of stimulation was found (r = −0.29, 95% confidence interval: −0.32 to −0.27, p < 0.0001). No correlation between the CC and the speech performance was found (r = −0.08, 95% confidence interval: −0.33 to 0.18 p = 0.52).

Conclusion:

ECAP slopes seem to be a reliable tool to identify the electrode's position inside the cochlea and also showed correlations to the anatomy of the patient. A combination of objective measurements such as anatomical parameters and ECAPs are helpful to assist the postoperative fitting and are promising tools to improve patient care.
Revealing HIV epidemic dynamics and contrasting responses in two WHO Eastern European countries: insights from modeling and data triangulation
Authors: Marty Lise , Lemsalu Liis , Ķīvīte-Urtāne Anda , Costagliola Dominique , Kaupe Ruta , Linina Indra , Upmace Inga , Rüütel Kristi , Supervie Virginie
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

In the early 2000s, Estonia and Latvia experienced a rapidly growing HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID), and had, with Russia, the highest diagnosis rates in Europe. Understanding epidemic dynamics in both countries and how responses to HIV impacted them is essential to ending injection-driven epidemics.

Design:

Statistical modeling, programmatic data collection, and triangulation.

Methods:

Data on newly diagnosed HIV cases were used in a back-calculation model to estimate, for each country, trends in HIV incidence, time to diagnosis, and undiagnosed infections. Modeled estimates were then triangulated with programmatic data on harm reduction services, HIV testing, and ART.

Results:

From 2007 to 2016, HIV incidence decreased in Estonia by 61% overall, for all exposure groups, and particularly for male PWID (97%), except men who have sex with men, where it increased by 418%. In Latvia, it increased by 72% overall. Median time to diagnosis decreased for male PWID in Estonia, from 3.5 to 2.6 years, but not in Latvia. In 2016, most new and undiagnosed infections, ∼50% in Latvia and ∼75% in Estonia, affected individuals reporting heterosexual transmission, showing a gradual shift toward heterosexual route as the main reported exposure mode. Coverage of services had been higher in Estonia; for example, by 2016, for PWID, there were >200 needles and syringes distributed per PWID annually, and HIV testing and ART coverage reached ∼50% and 76%, respectively, in Estonia, against respectively less than 100%, 10% and 27% in Latvia.

Conclusions:

Estonia has turned the tide of its epidemic – large scale-up of prevention and care programs probably contributed to it – whereas in Latvia it remains very active.