bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing group II intron dynamics between the first and second steps of splicing
Authors: Manigrasso Jacopo , Chillón Isabel , Genna Vito , Vidossich Pietro , Somarowthu Srinivas , Pyle Anna Marie , De Vivo Marco , Marcia Marco
Published: June 2020

Group II introns are ubiquitous self-splicing ribozymes and retrotransposable elements evolutionarily and chemically related to the eukaryotic spliceosome, with potential applications as gene-editing tools. Recent biochemical and structural data have captured the intron in multiple conformations at different stages of catalysis. Here, we employ enzymatic assays, X-ray crystallography, and molecular simulations to resolve the spatiotemporal location and function of conformational changes occurring between the first and the second step of splicing. We show that the first residue of the highly-conserved catalytic triad is protonated upon 5’-splice-site scission, promoting a reversible structural rearrangement of the active site (toggling). Protonation and active site dynamics induced by the first step of splicing facilitate the progression to the second step. Our insights into the mechanism of group II intron splicing parallels functional data on the spliceosome, thus reinforcing the notion that these evolutionarily-related molecular machines share the same enzymatic strategy.
Bringing asthma care into the twenty-first century
Authors: Larsson Kjell , Kankaanranta Hannu , Janson Christer , Lehtimäki Lauri , Ställberg Björn , Løkke Anders , Høines Kristian , Roslind Klaus , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: June 2020

Despite access to diagnostic tests and effective therapies, asthma often remains misdiagnosed and/or poorly controlled or uncontrolled. In this review, we address the key issues of asthma diagnosis and management, recent evidence for levels of asthma control, the consequences of poor control and, in line with that, explore the potential reasons for poor asthma control and acute exacerbations. Based on recent evidence and current guidelines, we also aim to provide practical answers to the key questions of how to improve asthma management, with the best possible prevention of exacerbations, addressing the basics—adherence, inhaler misuse, obesity and smoking—and how to facilitate a new era of asthma care in the twenty-first century. We hope this review will be useful to busy primary care clinicians in their future interactions with their patients with both suspected and proven asthma.
HISTOBREAST, a collection of brightfield microscopy images of Haematoxylin and Eosin stained breast tissue
Authors: Buga Roxana M. , Totu Tiberiu , Dumitru Adrian , Costache Mariana , Floroiu Iustin , Sladoje Nataša , Stanciu Stefan G.
Published: June 2020

Modern histopathology workflows rely on the digitization of histology slides. The quality of the resulting digital representations, in the form of histology slide image mosaics, depends on various specific acquisition conditions and on the image processing steps that underlie the generation of the final mosaic, e.g. registration and blending of the contained image tiles. We introduce HISTOBREAST, an extensive collection of brightfield microscopy images that we collected in a principled manner under different acquisition conditions on Haematoxylin - Eosin (H&E) stained breast tissue. HISTOBREAST is comprised of neighbour image tiles and ensemble of mosaics composed from different combinations of the available image tiles, exhibiting progressively degraded quality levels. HISTOBREAST can be used to benchmark image processing and computer vision techniques with respect to their robustness to image modifications specific to brightfield microscopy of H&E stained tissues. Furthermore, HISTOBREAST can serve in the development of new image processing methods, with the purpose of ensuring robustness to typical image artefacts that raise interpretation problems for expert histopathologists and affect the results of computerized image analysis.
Photographic database of the European cave salamanders, genus Hydromantes
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Giachello Simone , Zhao Yahui , Corti Claudia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Manenti Raoul
Published: June 2020

European Hydromantes are a group of eight salamander species often occurring in subterranean habitats, which are a difficult environment to explore. All Hydromantes are strictly protected species and thus, low-impact methodologies to study these salamanders are strongly needed. Here we used a photographic technique to produce a large dataset of European Hydromantes, providing standardised pictures of 1,052 individuals belonging to the eight species, including hybrids as well. With our methodology we were able to reduce the handling time of individuals, and produce high quality pictures useful to investigate multiple life traits of these endangered species. Furthermore, the standardised photos provided here can be used for future comparisons of individuals from the surveyed populations.
The Project Baseline Health Study: a step towards a broader mission to map human health
Authors: Arges Kristine , Assimes Themistocles , Bajaj Vikram , Balu Suresh , Bashir Mustafa R. , Beskow Laura , Blanco Rosalia , Califf Robert , Campbell Paul , Carin Larry , Christian Victoria , Cousins Scott , Das Millie , Dockery Marie , Douglas Pamela S. , Dunham Ashley , Eckstrand Julie , Fleischmann Dominik , Ford Emily , Fraulo Elizabeth , French John , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Green Robert C. , Haddad Francois , Hernandez Adrian , Hernandez John , Huang Erich S. , Jaffe Glenn , King Daniel , Koweek Lynne H. , Langlotz Curtis , Liao Yaping J. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Marcom Kelly , Marks William J. , Maron David , McCabe Reid , McCall Shannon , McCue Rebecca , Mega Jessica , Miller David , Muhlbaier Lawrence H. , Munshi Rajan , Newby L. Kristin , Pak-Harvey Ezra , Patrick-Lake Bray , Pencina Michael , Peterson Eric D. , Rodriguez Fatima , Shore Scarlet , Shah Svati , Shipes Steven , Sledge George , Spielman Susie , Spitler Ryan , Schaack Terry , Swamy Geeta , Willemink Martin J. , Wong Charlene A.
Published: June 2020

The Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS) was launched to map human health through a comprehensive understanding of both the health of an individual and how it relates to the broader population. The study will contribute to the creation of a biomedical information system that accounts for the highly complex interplay of biological, behavioral, environmental, and social systems. The PBHS is a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study that aims to enroll thousands of participants with diverse backgrounds who are representative of the entire health spectrum. Enrolled participants will be evaluated serially using clinical, molecular, imaging, sensor, self-reported, behavioral, psychological, environmental, and other health-related measurements. An initial deeply phenotyped cohort will inform the development of a large, expanded virtual cohort. The PBHS will contribute to precision health and medicine by integrating state of the art testing, longitudinal monitoring and participant engagement, and by contributing to the development of an improved platform for data sharing and analysis.
An evolutionarily conserved motif is required for Plasmodesmata-located protein 5 to regulate cell-to-cell movement
Authors: Wang Xu , Robles Luna Gabriel , Arighi Cecilia Noemi , Lee Jung-Youn
Published: June 2020

Numerous cell surface receptors and receptor-like proteins (RLPs) undergo activation or deactivation via a transmembrane domain (TMD). A subset of plant RLPs distinctively localizes to the plasma membrane-lined pores called plasmodesmata. Those RLPs include the Arabidopsis thaliana Plasmodesmata-located protein (PDLP) 5, which is well known for its vital function regulating plasmodesmal gating and molecular movement between cells. In this study, we report that the TMD, although not a determining factor for the plasmodesmal targeting, serves essential roles for the PDLP5 function. In addition to its role for membrane anchoring, the TMD mediates PDLP5 self-interaction and carries an evolutionarily conserved motif that is essential for PDLP5 to regulate cell-to-cell movement. Computational modeling-based analyses suggest that PDLP TMDs have high propensities to dimerize. We discuss how a specific mode(s) of TMD dimerization might serve as a common mechanism for PDLP5 and other PDLP members to regulate cell-to-cell movement.
A 3D porous graphene aerogel@GOx based microfluidic biosensor for electrochemical glucose detection
Authors: Xu Jian , Xu Kangkai , Han Yu , Wang Di , Li Xiao , Hu Tao , Yi Hong , Ni Zhonghua
Published: June 2020

As a chronic disease, diabetes may result in serious complications that endanger the health and life of patients.
Label-free test kit for d-amino acid analysis by 1,4-benzenediboronic-acid-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Yan , Qi Peng , Zhang Dun
Published: June 2020

We proposed a label-free kit test for d-amino acid analysis by 1,4-benzenediboronic-acid-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles, providing an effective and selective quantification of DAAs with excellent precision and accuracy in bacterial samples.
Palladium/copper-cocatalyzed decarbonylative alkynylation of acyl fluorides with alkynylsilanes: synthesis of unsymmetrical diarylethynes
Authors: Chen Qiang , Fu Liyan , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: June 2020

Alkynylation of acyl fluorides with alkynylsilanes via palladium/copper-cocatalysed carbon–fluorine bond cleavage and sequential decarbonylation, which provide an efficient route to various unsymmetrical diarylethynes, have been disclosed.
Negative photoconductivity in Cs4PbBr6 single crystal
Authors: Yuan Ye , Yao Qing , Zhang Jie , Wang Kaiyu , Zhang Weiwei , Zhou Tianliang , Sun Haiqing , Ding Jianxu
Published: June 2020

Negative photoconductivity is firstly observed in large size Cs4PbBr6 single crystal that grown from Cs-rich solution. The Br vacancy and free excitons are responsible for this novel phenomena.
Advances towards programmable droplet transport on solid surfaces and its applications
Authors: Malinowski Robert , Parkin Ivan P , Volpe Giorgio
Published: June 2020

We review progress towards the programmable transport of droplets on surfaces together with its applications in chemistry and materials science.
Metallophilic interactions: observations of the shortest metallophilicinteractions between closed shell (d10⋯d10, d10⋯d8, d8⋯d8) metal ions [M⋯M′ M = Hg(ii) and Pd(ii) and M′ = Cu(i), Ag(i), Au(i), and Pd(ii)]
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Singh Harkesh B. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: June 2020

The salt metathesis reaction of two equivalents of 8-lithioquinoline (C6H6NLi) with HgBr2 afforded bis(quinoline-8-yl)mercury, [(C6H6N)2Hg].
Influence of the chain length and metal : ligand ratio on the self-organization processes of Cu2+complexes of [1 + 1] 1H-pyrazole azamacrocycles
Authors: Lopera Alberto , Gil-Martínez Ariadna , Pitarch-Jarque Javier , Verdejo Begoña , Blasco Salvador , Clares M. Paz , Jiménez Hermas R. , García-España Enrique
Published: June 2020

The great versatility of the pyrazole moiety combined with polyamines of different chain lengths gives rise to remarkable coordination features.
Isostructural mesoporous ionic crystals as a tunable platform for acid catalysis
Authors: Shimoyama Yuto , Weng Zhewei , Ogiwara Naoki , Kitao Takashi , Kikukawa Yuji , Uchida Sayaka
Published: June 2020

The catalytic activities are highly dependent on the components of meso-PICS.
Dysprosium-based complexes with a flat pentadentate donor: a magnetic and ab initio study
Authors: Fondo Matilde , Corredoira-Vázquez Julio , García-Deibe Ana M. , Gómez-Coca Silvia , Ruiz Eliseo , Sanmartín-Matalobos Jesús
Published: June 2020

Hitherto unknown dysprosium(iii) complexes of a related flat N3O2 donor show ac susceptibility frequency-dependence, (Et3NH)[Dy0.09Y0.91(L)(NO3)2] being a SIM at zero field.
Addressing the challenge of fabricating a high content regenerated cellulose/nanomaterial composite: the magical effect of urea
Authors: Wu Kai , Liu Dingyao , Gong Feng , Lei Chuxin , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2020

Urea has the excellent ability to enable the green production of high-content and multifunctional RC/nanomaterial composites based on its non-covalent chemistry.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Slope ratio calibration for analysis of plant leaves by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy”’ by Vincenzo Palleschi, JAAS 2020, 35, DOI: C9JA00381A
Authors: Nunes Lidiane C. , Rocha Fábio R. P. , Krug Francisco J.
Published: June 2020

In response to the comments about the article “Slope ratio calibration for analysis of plant leaves by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy”, this communication clarifies some aspects of this calibration approach recently proposed for LIBS quantitative analysis.
Lithium-ion battery performance enhanced by the combination of Si thin flake anodes and binary ionic liquid systems
Authors: Hosoya Kei , Kamidaira Toshiki , Tsuda Tetsuya , Imanishi Akihito , Haruta Masakazu , Doi Takayuki , Inaba Minoru , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: June 2020

An appropriate combination of Si anodes and binary bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide-based ionic liquid electrolytes significantly improves Li-ion battery performances.
Rational and wide-range tuning of CNT aerogel conductors with multifunctionalities
Authors: Li Min , Gong Qian , Cao Pei , Wang Han , Qiao Jian , Yu Yingying , Lu Weibang , Di Jiangtao , Zhang Zuoguang , Zheng Lianxi , Li Qingwen
Published: June 2020

In the present study, the quantitative correlation between density and physical properties of highly porous CNT aerogels are systematically studied, enabling a wide-range tuning of CNT 3D networked structures with different functions.
Impact of non-nucleotidic bulges on recognition of mixed-sequence dsDNA by pyrene-functionalized Invader probes
Authors: Guenther Dale C. , Emehiser Raymond G. , Inskeep Allison , Karmakar Saswata , Hrdlicka Patrick J.
Published: June 2020

Invader probes featuring non-nucleotidic bulges are energetically activated for highly specific recognition of complementary double-stranded DNA targets.
Synthesis of C11-to-C14 methyl-shifted all-trans-retinal analogues and their activities on human aldo-keto reductases
Authors: Rivas Aurea , Pequerul Raquel , Barracco Vito , Domínguez Marta , López Susana , Jiménez Rafael , Parés Xavier , Alvarez Rosana , Farrés Jaume , de Lera Angel R.
Published: June 2020

Human aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are enzymes involved in the reduction, among other substrates, of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol (vitamin A), thus contributing to the control of the levels of retinoids in organisms.
A semipinacol rearrangement of vinylogous α-ketol cocatalyzed by a cinchona-based primary amine andN-Boc-phenylglycines: mechanisms, roles of catalysts and the origin of enantioselectivity
Authors: Yan Chao-Xian , Yang Fang-Ling , Lu Ka , Yang Xing , Zhou Pan-Pan , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: June 2020

A semipinacol rearrangement of vinylogous α-ketol cocatalyzed by a cinchona-based primary amine and Brønsted acids can be achieved with good enantiocontrol, and theoretical investigations have been performed to uncover and understand it in detail.
Chondroitin sulfate hydrogels based on electrostatic interactions with enhanced adhesive properties: exploring the bulk and interfacial contributions
Authors: Deng Zepeng , He Yang , Wang Yan Jie , Zhao Yiping , Chen Li
Published: June 2020

Adhesive polysaccharide gels have highlighted their potential in biomedicine, tissue engineering, and wearable/implantable devices due to their tissue adhesive nature and excellent biocompatibility.
Formation of ion gels by polymerization of block copolymer/ionic liquid/oil mesophases
Authors: Bandegi Alireza , Bañuelos Jose L. , Foudazi Reza
Published: June 2020

Ion gels can be produced through polymerization of lyotropic liquid crystal templates of a monomer, cross-linker, ionic liquid, and amphiphilic block copolymer. The mechanical strength of ion gels can be increased one order of magnitude without compromising the ionic conductivity.
Fast material search of lithium ion conducting oxides using a recommender system
Authors: Suzuki Kota , Ohura Kosei , Seko Atsuto , Iwamizu Yudai , Zhao Guowei , Hirayama Masaaki , Tanaka Isao , Kanno Ryoji
Published: June 2020

Fast material search using a recommender system is demonstrated to obtain novel lithium ion conducting oxides.
Magnetic nanoparticles applied in targeted therapy and magnetic resonance imaging: crucial preparation parameters, indispensable pre-treatments, updated research advancements and future perspectives
Authors: Lin Yaping , Zhang Ke , Zhang Ruihong , She Zhending , Tan Rongwei , Fan Yubo , Li Xiaoming
Published: June 2020

We reviewed related updated research advancements of magnetic nanoparticles applied in targeted therapy and magnetic resonance imaging.
Effectiveness of Hearing Loss Prevention Education for Active Duty Military Personnel: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Beamer Sharon , Gagne Catherine , Chada Nutan , Mehta Hina , Piper Sheila , Wong Geoffrey , Davila Gabriel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The combination of effective hearing health education and hearing protection establishes a strong foundation of hearing loss prevention efforts in the military; however, it is not clear which elements of the educational materials used in hearing loss prevention programs are the most effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. To explore this question, a cohort of Excellence in Government Fellowship participants and the Army Hearing Program conducted a preliminary study examining two hearing health education materials.

Method

A convenience sample of active duty personnel reviewed a hearing health education Technical Guide and video, developed by the military for hearing conservation programs. A “pre- and posteducation” questionnaire was administered to assess the participants' knowledge regarding hearing protection, causes of noise-induced hearing loss, effects of noise on hearing, noise exposure both on and off duty, and satisfaction with educational materials provided during the session.

Results

Short-term learning effects from the educational materials was achieved for some knowledge-based items (> 10% change from pre-education to posteducation), particularly for questions related to the effect of noise-induced hearing loss on ability to hear speech or hear at a distance. Thirty five percent of study participants reported using hearing protection in hazardous noise 75%–100% of the time. Primary reason for not using hearing protection was comfort.

Conclusions

Despite hearing loss prevention efforts in the military, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) continue to be prevalent service-connected disabilities among veterans. This study offers some insights regarding current hearing loss prevention understanding and practices for a group of active duty U.S. military personnel. Results from this study can inform future improvements in military hearing loss prevention education.
Stabilisation of networked control systems with remote and local controllers subject to delay and packet dropout
Authors: Lu Xiao , Xu Juanjuan , Liang Xiao
Published: June 2020

This study considers the stabilisation problem for networked control systems (NCSs) with remote and local controllers involving delay and packet dropout. In this NCSs model, the local controller receives the precise state and sends it to the remote controller via an unreliable communication channel where packet dropout may occur. When the remote controller obtains the observation, it delivers an acknowledgement to the local controller whether the precise state is received or not. Then the two controllers make their decisions simultaneously, which shall be sent to the plant through a delayed communication channel. The authors give the necessary and sufficient condition of the stabilisation in the mean‐square sense for the system without the additive noise based on two coupled algebraic Riccati equations. For the system with the additive noise, firstly, they show the stability of the optimal estimator. Then the sufficient condition of the boundedness in the mean‐square sense is presented. Numerical examples are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Distributed ImageJ(Fiji): a framework for parallel image processing
Authors: Hossain Md Amjad , Khan Preoyati , Lu Cheng Chang , Clements Robert J.
Published: June 2020

ImageJ is an open‐source application widely used for image processing. It has developer API that can be used to implement new plugins for specific image processing tasks. However, ImageJ wasn't designed to work on distributed systems. Currently, it is still being used on single machines to process large medical images, which takes several hours to complete. In this article, we present the approaches to make several essential and widely used ImageJ plugins to work in a cluster. As the cluster nodes parallelly run the existing plugins for image processing, they write the results on a shared drive. But one of the main challenges is, merging those results with high accuracy. Several ImageJ plugins were developed to distribute tasks and generate combined results efficiently. The existing 3D‐Object‐Counter plugin was used for testing the designed system. The experimental results on the test images of 3D objects stored in Tagged Image File Format(TIFF) show faster processing time with high accuracy and similarity compared to the single machine‐based results. The image processing time depends on the number of nodes in the cluster. So, we present a mathematical model that determines the cluster size automatically for optimizing the overall image processing time.
Energy minimisation‐based multi‐class multi‐instance geometric primitives extraction from 3D point clouds
Authors: Wang Liang , Yan Biying , Duan Fuqing , Lu Ke
Published: June 2020

Geometric primitives contained in three‐dimensional (3D) point clouds can provide the meaningful and concise abstraction of 3D data, which plays a vital role in improving 3D vision‐based intelligent applications. However, how to efficiently and robustly extract multiple geometric primitives from point clouds is still a challenge, especially when multiple instances of multiple classes of geometric primitives are present. In this study, a novel energy minimisation‐based algorithm for multi‐class multi‐instance geometric primitives extraction from the 3D point cloud is proposed. First, an improved sampling strategy is proposed to generate model hypotheses. Then, an improved strategy to establish the neighbourhood is proposed to help construct and optimise an energy function for points labelling. After that, hypotheses and parameters of models are refined. Iterate this process until the energy does not decrease. Finally, models of multi‐class multi‐instance geometric primitives are simultaneously and robustly extracted from the 3D point cloud. In comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, it can automatically determine the classes and numbers of geometric primitives in the 3D point cloud. Experimental results with synthetic and real data validate the proposed algorithm.
Adaptive iterative global image denoising method based on SVD
Authors: Liu Yepeng , Li Xuemei , Guo Qiang , Zhang Caiming
Published: June 2020

Based on the image self‐similarity and singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques, the authors propose an iterative adaptive global denoising method. For the structural differences between image patches, they adaptively determine the size of the search window. In each window, a similar image patch matrix is constructed based on the multi‐scale similarity measure. In order to ensure the speed of the method, the adaptive step size and the number of image patches are introduced, and all image patches are denoised in different iterations. This not only ensures the speed of the method, suppresses residual noise, but also reduces the artefacts caused by the fixed step size and the number of image patches. Therefore, the problem of image denoising is converted to the estimation of low‐rank matrix. New singular values are estimated according to the noise level, and similar image patch matrices without noise are estimated using them and corresponding singular vectors. Experimental results show that compared with the state‐of‐the‐art denoising algorithms, this method has a higher PSNR and FSIM, and has a good visual effect. The new method can be applied to image and video restoration, target recognition and image classification.
Adaptive spectral processing algorithm for staggered signals in weather radars
Authors: Collado Rosell Arturo , Pascual Juan Pablo , Areta Javier
Published: June 2020

A spectral algorithm for processing staggered‐pulse repetition time (SPRT) signals in weather radar is introduced. It includes new approaches for ground clutter filter and hydrometeor spectral moments estimation. The algorithm uses ideas similar to GMAP but applied to non‐uniform sampled signals. This work is focused on staggered sequences 2/3, but can be extended to other staggered sequences. Monte Carlo experiments were used to evaluate the performance of the spectral moments estimators for simulated weather signal, in scenarios with and without the presence of ground clutter. When clutter is present, a study using different clutter‐to‐signal ratios was carried out, showing that the method can deal with a wide range of situations and is appropriate for implementation in real scenarios. A comparison against GMAP‐TD was performed, showing similar estimation results for both algorithms and a fivefold processing speed improvement for the proposed method. The performance was also validated using real weather data RMA‐12 from a radar located in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The proposed algorithm has an easy implementation and is a good candidate for real‐time implementations.
Transit least-squares survey
Authors: Heller René , Hippke Michael , Freudenthal Jantje , Rodenbeck Kai , Batalha Natalie M. , Bryson Steve
Published: June 2020

The Sun-like star Kepler-160 (KOI-456) has been known to host two transiting planets, Kepler-160 b and c, of which planet c shows substantial transit-timing variations (TTVs). We studied the transit photometry and the TTVs of this system in our search for a suspected third planet. We used the archival Kepler photometry of Kepler-160 to search for additional transiting planets using a combination of our Wōtan detrending algorithm and our transit least-squares detection algorithm. We also used the Mercury N-body gravity code to study the orbital dynamics of the system in trying to explain the observed TTVs of planet c. First, we recovered the known transit series of planets Kepler-160 b and c. Then we found a new transiting candidate with a radius of 1.91−0.14+0.17 Earth radii (R⊕), an orbital period of 378.417−0.025+0.028 d, and Earth-like insolation. The vespa software predicts that this signal has an astrophysical false-positive probability of FPP3 = 1.8 × 10−3 when the multiplicity of the system is taken into account. Kepler vetting diagnostics yield a multiple event statistic of MES = 10.7, which corresponds to an ~85% reliability against false alarms due to instrumental artifacts such as rolling bands. We are also able to explain the observed TTVs of planet c with the presence of a previously unknown planet. The period and mass of this new planet, however, do not match the period and mass of the new transit candidate. Our Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations of the TTVs of Kepler-160 c can be conclusively explained by a new nontransiting planet with a mass between about 1 and 100 Earth masses and an orbital period between about 7 and 50 d. We conclude that Kepler-160 has at least three planets, one of which is the nontransiting planet Kepler-160 d. The expected stellar radial velocity amplitude caused by this new planet ranges between about 1 and 20 m s−1. We also find the super-Earth-sized transiting planet candidate KOI-456.04 in the habitable zone of this system, which could be the fourth planet.
Study of Potential Pollution of Sasirangan Liquid Waste with Biological and Chemical Parameters
Authors: Syauqiah Isna , Nurandini Desi , Lestari R.A
Published: June 2020

Sasirangan - the traditional fabric, claimed as an icon of Banjarmasin and core part of South Kalimantan identity - has been produced for a long time by home industries and contributes to local community economic development. Practically, activities of Sasirangan home industries use several chemical coloring agents that produce liquid waste and harm the ecological life of the Martapura River in Banjarmasin. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential of liquid waste of sasirangan for pollution in the Martapura River. Certainly, It would importantly contribute to providing a solution to overcome these waste effects on the surrounding environment. This study used the observation method and survey approach to the Sasirangan home industry in three locations around the Martapura River in Banjarmasin City. Sampling was conducted both at the point of the inlet and outlet of these locations. Then, the samples were laboratory tested and quantitatively analyzed for biological parameters (total Cr and total Cd content in Snakehead Fish) and chemical parameters (BOD, COD, and content of oil and fat). The results showed that the wastewater content of sasirangan generally was still within the limits of quality standards permitted according to the Governor of South Kalimantan Regulation Number 04 the Year 2007. Nevertheless, there were still several parameters that exceed the quality standard, for the content of heavy metal chromium in Snakehead Fish with a value of 0.456 mg/kg and COD parameters of the upstream sample inlet with a value of 348.9 mg/L.
Effect of NPK fertilizer and microbial consortium to growth and production of garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Heni Krestini Eti , Susilawati Ani , Hermanto Catur
Published: June 2020

Garlic productivity in Indonesia is relatively low due to ecological fitness, agronomic performance, and pest losses. For the reason, the research was objected to study the effect of microbial consortium and NPK fertilizer toward the growth and production of garlic. This research was conducted at the experimental field of the Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute situated at 1.300 m asl in Lembang – West Jawa – Indonesia from October 2018 until February 2019. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design, consisted of 6 treatments, and 3 replications. The treatments were: 1) no microbial consortium + no NPK fertilizer (negative control), 2) no microbial consortium + 50% NPK fertilizer, 3). no microbial consortium + 100% NPK recommendation, 4) application of microbial consortium + no NPK, 5) application of microbial consortium + 50% of NPK recommendation, and 6). Application of microbial consortium + 100% of NPK recommendation. The results showed that there was no significant effect of NPK fertilizer and the microbial consortium on the growth and production of garlic. However, the application of microbial consortium + 50% of NPK recommendation performed best on plant height and number of leaves, while application of microbial consortium only resulted in the best pseudostem growth and yield component of garlic.
COVID-19: Monitoring the propagation of the first waves of the pandemic
Authors: Knafo William
Published: June 2020

Introduction: A phenomenological approach is proposed to monitor the propagation of the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A large set of data collected during the first months of 2020 is compiled into a series of semi-logarithmic plots, for a selection of 32 countries from the five continents.

Results: Three regimes are identified in the propagation of an epidemic wave: a pre-epidemic regime 1, an exponential-growth regime 2, and a resorption regime 3. A two-parameters scaling of the first-wave death variation reported in China is used to fit the first-wave data reported in other countries. Comparison is made between the propagation of the pandemic in different countries, which are classified into four groups, from Group A where the pandemic first waves were contained efficiently, to Group D where the pandemic first waves widely spread. All Asian countries considered here, where fast and efficient measures have been applied, are in Group A. Group D is composed of Western-European countries and the United States of America (USA), where late decisions and confused political communication (pandemic seriousness, protection masks, herd immunity, etc.) led to a large number of deaths.

Discussion:The threat of resurging epidemic waves following a lift of lockdown measures is discussed. The results obtained in Asian countries from group A, as Hong Kong and South Korea, are highlighted, and the measures taken there are presented as examples that other countries may follow.
Experimental comparison of the seizure loads of gray iron journal bearing and aluminum alloy journal bearing under aligned and misaligned conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Yin Zhongwei , Dong Qin , Cao Jun
Published: June 2020

Materials, surface roughness of bearing and shaft, and journal misalignment affect the seizure load of journal bearing. To improve the load carrying capacity of bearing and obtain better friction pair, this paper studies experimentally the seizure loads of a gray iron journal bearing and two kinds of aluminum alloy journal bearings under both aligned and misaligned conditions. Three shafts are used to study the effects of journal surface roughness and DLC coating. The journal center locus is recorded. Results show that the combination of DLC coating and the aluminum alloy with lower hardness has the largest seizure load and inclined angle, followed by the combinations of DLC coating and gray iron, and 40Cr steel and gray iron. The surface roughness values of bearing and shaft have a considerable negative effect on seizure load, especially for aligned condition.
Constrained dynamic matrix control strategy for a monitoring system for AGC of hot strip mills
Authors: Fang-chen Yin , Liu-Qi Yu
Published: June 2020

In the hot strip rolling process, the performance of a monitoring system for automatic gauge control (MN-AGC) is influenced greatly by the model mismatch which is caused by the variation of model parameters values. A constrained dynamic matrix control (CDMC) strategy that includes a prediction model, rolling optimization, and feedback correction was used in the MN-AGC. First, the conventional Smith prediction-based control strategy for the MN-AGC was analyzed. Second, the performance index function and optimal control of the CDMC strategy were determined. Finally, simulations and industrial experiments were conducted. The results showed that both control strategies provided good control performance. When model mismatch occurred, the Smith predictor-based MN-AGC resulted in significant overshoot or even oscillations but the control performance of the CDMC-based MN-AGC was not influenced by changes in the model parameters.
Freckle formation and prevention in high strength low alloy steel ingots
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhang Yang , Chen Weiqing , Li Jing
Published: June 2020

Freckles considerably limit the development of larger electro-slag remelting (ESR) ingots. To simulate the freckling conditions in ESR ingots, high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel was solidified with varying solidification front angles. Note that the freckling potential is enhanced and the orientation of freckle channel tends to be in the vertical direction with increase in solidification front angle. This is because the tilted solidification front contributes the available buoyancy and transports light (Si, Mn, Cr)-enriched liquid flows upwards toward the mush zone and then accumulates in the open segregation channel. For freckle formation in experimental HSLA steel ingots, a modified Rayleigh number (Ra) that considers the anisotropy of permeability and solidification front angle was evaluated and a threshold value ofRathat separates the freckled and freckle-free area was determined to be 0.79.
Intra- und paraselläre Prozesse – eine Übersicht
Authors: Raab Peter , Götz G. Friedrich
Published: June 2020

Funktionsstörungen der Hypophyse, Gesichtsfelddefekte und Augenbewegungsstörungen sind typische Leitsymptome bei Erkrankungen der Sellaregion. Die Diagnose der jeweiligen Erkrankung und die Therapieplanung sind unter Berücksichtigung der komplexen lokalen Anatomie häufig herausfordernd. Diese Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt Untersuchungsmethoden und typische Befundmuster, die eine Diagnose sowie die zielführende Therapieplanung erleichtern sollen.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser
Authors: Buchner Helmut
Published: June 2020

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

ich möchte Sie zum Lesen des zweiten Hefts in 2020 der Klinischen
Neurophysiologie einladen.
Hygienisch-mikrobiologische Evaluation von Tuchspendersystemen zur
Oberflächendesinfektion im alltäglichen
Klinikbetrieb
Authors: Blume Philipp , Chaberny Iris
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund Oberflächendesinfektion zählt zu den
elementaren Maßnahmen der Infektionsprävention in
Gesundheitseinrichtungen. Die hierfür heutzutage weit verbreiteten
Tuchspendersysteme können jedoch aufgrund unterschiedlicher Ursachen
mikrobiell kontaminiert sein und bei der Verbreitung von Krankheitserregern eine
entscheidende Rolle spielen. Aus diesem Grund müssen diese Systeme
sowohl in die routinemäßige Surveillance, als auch im Rahmen
nosokomialer Ausbrüche als Infektionsquelle in Betracht gezogen
werden.

Methodik Die am Universitätsklinikum Leipzig (UKL) verwendeten
Tuchspendersysteme wurden von 2016 bis 2018 flächendeckend
gemäß der Empfehlung des Verbundes für Angewandte
Hygiene (VAH) überprüft. Innerhalb dieses Zeitraums wurden
insgesamt 1096 Desinfektionslösungen von Tuchspendersystemen analysiert.
Die Bereiche ohne bzw. mit besonderem Infektionsrisiko waren hierbei
gleichverteilt repräsentiert. Um die Möglichkeit einer
Kontamination durch Dosiergeräte (DG) auszuschließen, wurden die
hygienischen Prüfungen auf die 135 dezentral-betriebenen DGs am UKL
erweitert.

Ergebnisse Grundsätzlich konnte ein Rückgang von
kontaminierten Desinfektionslösungen im gesamten Untersuchungszeitraum
verzeichnet werden (2016: 31%; 2017: 18%; 2018: 8%).
Jedoch wurden sowohl 2017, als auch 2018 mehr Kontaminationen in Bereichen mit
besonderem Infektionsrisiko festgestellt. Gezielte Nachuntersuchungen nach
Schulungsmaßnahmen im Umgang und Aufbereitung der Systeme ergaben einen
Rückgang positiver Desinfektionslösungen auf Stationen mit
erhöhten Nachweisen. Das mikrobielle Spektrum wurde von Achromobacter
spp. (81%) dominiert, gefolgt von Pseudomonas spp.
(10%), Vancomycin-resistente Enterokokken (VRE) (4%) und
apathogenen Umwelterregern (5%). Die aus den Dosiergeräten
(n=135) entnommenen Lösungen zeigten in 91,1% keinerlei
Wachstum. In 8,2% wurden Bacillus spp. und in 0,7%
Schimmelpilze nachgewiesen.

Schlussfolgerung Als Ursache für die Erregernachweise in
Tuchspendersystemen konnte eine Kontamination aus Dosiergeräten, als
auch des hierfür verwendeten Trinkwassers ausgeschlossen werden. Es ist
davon auszugehen, dass mangelnde Kenntnisse und ein falsches
Sicherheitsgefühl beim Umgang mit Desinfektionsmitteln zu inkorrekter
Handhabung von Tuchspendersystemen führen.
Spatial distribution of dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus segments before and after endoscopic ablation therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Garg Shashank , Xie Jesse , Inamdar Sumant , Thomas Sheila L. , Trindade Arvind J.
Published: June 2020

Background Dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is focal and difficult to locate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to understand the spatial distribution of dysplasia in BE before and after endoscopic ablation therapy.

Methods A systematic search was performed of multiple databases to July 2019. The location of dysplasia prior to ablation was determined using a clock-face orientation (right or left half of the esophagus). The location of the dysplasia post-ablation was classified as within the tubular esophagus or at the top of the gastric folds (TGF).

Results 13 studies with 2234 patients were analyzed. Pooled analysis from six studies (819 lesions in 802 patients) showed that before ablation, dysplasia was more commonly located in the right half versus the left half (odds ratio [OR] 4.3; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.33 – 7.93; P < 0.001). Pooled analysis from seven studies showed that dysplasia after ablation recurred in 101 /1432 patients (7.05 %; 95 %CI 5.7 % – 8.4 %). Recurrence of dysplasia was located more commonly at the TGF (n = 68) than in the tubular esophagus (n = 34; OR 5.33; 95 %CI 1.75 – 16.21; P = 0.003). Of the esophageal lesions, 90 % (27 /30) were visible, whereas only 46 % (23 /50) of the recurrent dysplastic lesions at the TGF were visible (P < 0.001).

Conclusion Before ablation, dysplasia in BE is found more frequently in the right half of the esophagus versus the left. Post-ablation recurrence is more commonly found in the TGF and is non-visible, compared with the tubular esophagus, which is mainly visible.
Cesarean Section in Patients with Myomas Located on the Anterior Wall of the Cervix
Authors: Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: June 2020

In patients with uterine myomas undergoing cesarean section, the site of the uterine incision differs depending on the location, size, and number of myomas and the location of the placenta. The difficulty is particularly high when the myomas are located on the anterior wall of the cervix. In all patients, safe fetal birth is the top priority. The incision is usually made to avoid uterine myomas, and enucleation of the myomas is performed after fetal birth. However, in some patients, the fetus must be delivered after enucleating the myomas, so practice is necessary to be prepared for such cases. In this report, I explain the critical points to be noted at the time of cesarean section, especially in patients with myomas located on the anterior wall of the cervix.
Aus- und Weiterbildung: Drei Berufe für die neue Zeit
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: June 2020

Digitale Technologien sorgen teilweise für völlig neue Arbeitsabläufe im Gesundheitswesen. In der Aus- und Weiterbildung der Beschäftigten allerdings spielt das bislang kaum eine Rolle. Die Stiftung Münch schlägt deshalb drei neue Berufe vor.
kma Entscheider-Blog: Der neue Alltag in deutschen Kliniken
Authors: Kolb Milena
Published: June 2020

Das Bundesgesundheitsministerium (BMG) hat eine Empfehlung zum neuen Alltag für den Klinikbetrieb in Deutschland vorgestellt. Der Grundgedanke ist solide, doch bei der Umsetzung sind Herausforderungen zu erwarten. Es ist ein Papier, dass einerseits stark regulierend wirkt, aber einige essenzielle Fragen nicht beantwortet.
Pflegepersonalbemessungstool: Fit für digitales Controlling
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: June 2020

Das Deutsche Herzzentrum Berlin (DHZB) hat anlässlich der Einführung der Pflegepersonaluntergrenzen ein eigenes digitales Controlling-Instrument für die Personaleinsatzplanung entwickelt: das Pflegemanagement-Dashboard. Damit kann das DHZB schichtgenau das Patienten-Personalverhältnis messen und steuern – mit und ohne Corona.
Modernisierung: Mehr Licht im Dunkel des Medizingeräteparks
Authors: Wagner Jörg
Published: June 2020

Modernisierungsarbeiten in einem Krankenhaus sind eine gute Gelegenheit, bestehende Prozesse zu überprüfen. Die Geschäftsführung des Kreiskrankenhauses St. Anna in Höchstadt nahm sich mit externer Unterstützung seinen Medizintechnikpark vor und kam zu erstaunlichen Ergebnissen.
Design and simulation of pseudo-resistor with extremely high linearity for an improved neural signal recording
Authors: Sharma K. , Jamuar S. S. , Sharma R.
Published: June 2020

Design of a pseudo-resistor (PR) structure based on a bulk driven quasi floating technique is presented, which not only provides a high value of resistance (≈1 TΩ) over a wider voltage swing of −1 V to 1 V, but also displays extremely high linearity. The same is useful for accurate amplification and recording of neural signals for better diagnosis of many chronic diseases. PR design reported in this paper has been simulated in 0.18 µm technology with BSIM3V3 MOS device models in the 6M1P standard process. The proposed PR has been simulated for its accuracy through its use in the design of the neural amplifier with a display of better performance than earlier reported work.
Steady-state modeling of extrusion cast film process, neck-in phenomenon, and related experimental research: A review
Authors: Barborik Tomas , Zatloukal Martin
Published: June 2020

This review provides the current state of knowledge of steady-state modeling of the extrusion cast film process used to produce flat polymer films, as well as related experimental research with a particular focus on the flow instability neck-in. All kinematic models used (i.e., 1-, 1.5-, 2-, and 3-dimensional models) together with the utilized constitutive equations, boundary conditions, simplified assumptions, and numerical methods are carefully summarized. The effect of draw ratio, Deborah number (i.e., melt relaxation time related to experimental time), film cooling, second to first normal stress difference ratio at the die exit, uniaxial extensional strain hardening, and planar-to-uniaxial extensional viscosity ratio on the neck-in is discussed.
Efficiency limits of electronically coupled upconverter and quantum ratchet solar cells using detailed balance
Authors: Zhang Emily Z. , Krich Jacob J.
Published: June 2020

The intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) and the quantum ratchet solar cell (QRSC) have the potential to surpass the efficiency of standard single-junction solar cells by allowing sub-gap photon absorption through states deep inside the bandgap. High efficiency IBSC and QRSC devices have not yet been achieved, however, since introducing midgap states also increases recombination, which can harm the device. We consider the electronically coupled upconverter (ECUC) solar cell and show that it can achieve the same efficiencies as the QRSC. Although they are equivalent in the detailed balance limit, the ECUC design was proposed in order to be less sensitive to nonradiative processes, which makes it a more practical implementation for intermediate band (IB) devices. We perform a case study of crystalline silicon-based ECUC cells, focusing on hydrogenated amorphous silicon as the upconverter material and highlighting potential dopants for the ECUC. These results illustrate a new path for the development of IB-based devices.
Trapping of swimmers in a vortex lattice
Authors: Berman Simon A. , Mitchell Kevin A.
Published: June 2020

We examine the motion of rigid, ellipsoidal swimmers subjected to a steady vortex flow in two dimensions. Numerical simulations of swimmers in a spatially periodic array of vortices reveal a range of possible behaviors, including trapping inside a single vortex and motility-induced diffusion across many vortices. While the trapping probability vanishes at a sufficiently high swimming speed, we find that it exhibits surprisingly large oscillations as this critical swimming speed is approached. Strikingly, at even higher swimming speeds, we find swimmers that swim perpendicular to their elongation direction can again become trapped. To explain this complex behavior, we investigate the underlying swimmer phase-space geometry. We identify the fixed points and periodic orbits of the swimmer equations of motion that regulate swimmer trapping inside a single vortex cell. For low to intermediate swimming speeds, we find that a stable periodic orbit surrounded by invariant tori forms a transport barrier to swimmers and can trap them inside individual vortices. For swimming speeds approaching the maximum fluid speed, we find instead that perpendicular swimmers can be trapped by asymptotically stable fixed points. A bifurcation analysis of the stable periodic orbit and the fixed points explains the complex and non-monotonic breakdown and re-emergence of swimmer trapping as the swimmer speed and shape are varied.