bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Control of Diastolic Calcium in the Heart
Authors: Eisner David A. , Caldwell Jessica L. , Trafford Andrew W. , Hutchings David C.
Published: January 2020

Normal cardiac function requires that intracellular Ca
2+
concentration be reduced to low levels in diastole so that the ventricle can relax and refill with blood. Heart failure is often associated with impaired cardiac relaxation. Little, however, is known about how diastolic intracellular Ca
2+
concentration is regulated. This article first discusses the reasons for this ignorance before reviewing the basic mechanisms that control diastolic intracellular Ca
2+
concentration. It then considers how the control of systolic and diastolic intracellular Ca
2+
concentration is intimately connected. Finally, it discusses the changes that occur in heart failure and how these may result in heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction.
Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Results From the Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled CITRIS‐AF Pilot Study
Authors: Trankle Cory R. , Puckett Laura , Swift‐Scanlan Theresa , DeWilde Christine , Priday Anna , Sculthorpe Robin , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Fowler Alpha , Koneru Jayanthi N.
Published: January 2020

Background

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (
AF
), but high levels of post‐procedure inflammation predict adverse clinical events. Ascorbic acid (
AA
) has shown promise in reducing inflammation but is untested in this population. We sought to test the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects on inflammatory biomarkers in the CITRIS‐AF (Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation) pilot study.

Methods and Results

Patients scheduled to undergo
AF
ablation (N=20) were randomized 1:1 to double‐blinded treatment with
AA
(200 mg/kg divided over 24 hours) or placebo. C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels were obtained before the first infusion and repeated at 24 hours and 30 days. Pain levels within 24 hours and early recurrence of
AF
within 90 days were recorded. Median and interquartile range were aged 63 (56–70) years, 13 (65%) men, and 18 (90%) white. Baseline data were similar between the 2 groups except ejection fraction. Baseline C‐reactive protein levels were 2.56 (1.47–5.87) mg/L and similar between groups (
P
=0.48). Change in C‐reactive protein from baseline to 24 hours was +10.79 (+6.56–23.19) mg/L in the placebo group and +3.01 (+0.40–5.43) mg/L in the
AA
group (
P
=0.02). Conversely, change in interleukin‐6 was numerically higher in the
AA
group, though not statistically significant (
P
=0.32). One patient in each arm developed pericarditis; no adverse events related to the infusions were seen. There were no significant differences between aggregated post‐procedure pain levels within 24 hours or early recurrence of
AF
(both
P
>0.05).

Conclusions

High‐dose
AA
is safe and well tolerated at the time of
AF
ablation and may be associated with a blunted rise in C‐reactive protein, although consistent findings were not seen in interleukin‐6 levels. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the potential benefit in improving clinically relevant outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
03148236.
Prospective Evaluation of the Strategy of Functionally Optimized Coronary Intervention
Authors: Uretsky Barry F. , Agarwal Shiv K , Vallurupalli Srikanth , Al‐Hawwas Malek , Hasan Rimsha , Miller Kristin , Hakeem Abdul
Published: January 2020

Background

Long‐term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) relate in part to residual ischemia in the treated vessel, as reflected by post‐PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR). The strategy of FFR after PCI and treatment of residual ischemia—known as functionally optimized coronary intervention (FCI)—may be feasible and capable of improving outcomes.

Methods and Results

Feasibility and results of FCI using an optical‐sensor pressure wire were prospectively evaluated in an all‐comer population with 50% to 99% lesions and ischemic FFR (≤0.80; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03227588). FCI was attempted in 250 vessels in 226 consecutive patients. The PCI success rate was 99.6% (249/250 vessels). FCI technical success—that is, FFR before and after PCI and PCI itself using the FFR wire—was 92% (230/250 vessels). Incidence of residual ischemia in the treated vessel was 36.5%. Approximately a third of these vessels (34.5%, n=29) were considered appropriate for further intervention, with FFR increasing from 0.71±0.07 to 0.81±0.06 (
P
<0.001). Pressure wire pullback showed FFR ≤0.8 at distal stent edge was 7.9% and 0.7% proximal to the stent. FFR increase across the stent was larger in the ischemic than in the nonischemic group (0.06 [interquartile range: 0.04–0.08] versus 0.03 [interquartile range: 0.01–0.05];
P
<0.0001) compatible with stent underexpansion as a contributor to residual ischemia.

Conclusions

FCI is a feasible and safe clinical strategy that identifies residual ischemia in a large proportion of patients undergoing angiographically successful PCI. Further intervention can improve ischemia. The impact of this strategy on long‐term outcomes needs further study.
Contribution to the knowledge of Carabus (Lipaster) stjernvalli Mannerheim, 1830 in the Caucasus, with description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Carabini)
Authors: FOMINYKH DMITRIY D. , ZAMOTAJLOV ALEXANDR S. , KHOMITSKIY EUGENIY E. , TITARENKO ANDREY YU.
Published: January 2020

Based on material collected by the authors in the South Caucasus mainly in 2014-2018, further data are provided on the taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of the Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 subgenus Lipaster Motchulsky, 1866. C. stjernvalli paravanicus subsp. nov. is described from the vicinity of lake Paravani and C. stjernvalli kartalinicus subsp. nov.—from the NE Trialeti Mountain Range and its vicinity. The subspecific status of C. stjernvalli bogatshevi Zamotajlov, 1989 is resurrected.
New findings of the stenopodidean shrimp Microprosthema looensis Goy & Felder, 1988 (Decapoda: Stenopodidea: Spongicolidae)
Authors: DE AZEVEDO FERREIRA LUCIANE AUGUSTO , LERAY MATTHIEU , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: January 2020

The spongicolid genus Microprosthema Stimpson, 1860 is currently composed of 16 species inhabiting tropical and subtropical marine shallow waters worldwide, with six species found in the western Atlantic (one of them also present in the central and eastern Atlantic), one species in the eastern Pacific, and nine species in the Indo-West Pacific (Saito & Okuno 2011; Goy & Martin 2013; Saito & Anker 2014; De Grave et al. 2016). The genus is characterised by the somewhat depressed body; the carapace more or less densely covered by spines (except in one species); the third maxilliped with a long exopod; the first pereopod with a setiferous organ on the carpus and propodus; the third pereopod greatly enlarged and elongate; and the telson with one tooth on the lateral margin (Holthuis 1946; Poore 2004; Saito & Okuno 2011).
Review of the green lacewing genus Apochrysa Schneider (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: WINTERTON SHAUN L. , GUPTA ANKITA
Published: January 2020

Delicate green lacewings in the genus Apochrysa Schneider (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Apochrysinae) are reviewed with each species diagnosed and figured; a key to species is included.
Improving the Anti-Ovarian Cancer Activity of Docetaxel by Self-Assemble Micelles and Thermosensitive Hydrogel Drug Delivery System
Authors: Xu Guangya , Zhu Changhui , Li Bin , Wang Ting , Wan Jun , Zhang Yan , Huang Jingwei , Yang Daoke , Shen Yangmei
Published: January 2020

In recent decades, a large number of research studies have been conducted to improve the treatment strategy against epithelial ovarian cancer, but women in advanced stage still have poor outcomes. The development of advanced treatments must be continued to overcome the limitation. Docetaxel,
a semi-synthetic product derived from the Pacific Taxus extract, has been studied for many years for its potent anticancer applications. Aiming to solve the problems of its highly lipophilicity, insolubility and adverse side effects, nanocarriers were applied. Relying on the integration of
nanoparticles which had optimized sizes, shapes, and surface properties, the effect of docetaxel was enhanced. In this study, we designed a novel drug loaded gel-forming nanoparticle system (Doc-NMs-hydrogel composites), which acted as a sustained drug depot for docetaxel. Docetaxel was encapsulated
into MPEG-PCL and then into blank thermosensitive hydrogel Pluronic F-127. Characterization showed that the prepared Doc-NMs had high drug loading (7%), minor particle size (37 nm), relatively good water solubility. Moreover, the cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction and the antitumor effects
of Doc-NMs-hydrogel composites on mice abdominal SKOV-3 ovarian cancer model were investigated in vivo. Compared with other groups, at the same dosage, Doc-NMs-hydrogel composites show better apoptosis induction and cell growth inhibition. In conclusion, the prepared Doc-NMs-hydrogel
composites enhanced anti-tumor activity by increasing local docetaxel concentration, maintaining stable and sustained drug release, prolonging drug retention time in tumors, and reducing toxicity to normal tissues. Doc-NMs-hydrogel composites might have great potential clinical application
in anti-ovarian cancer activity.
Synchronization of Liu-Su-Liu and Liu-Chen-Liu Chaotic Systems by Nonlinear Feedback Control
Authors: Murugesan Regan , Rasappan Suresh , Rajan Pugalarasu , Kumaravel Sathish Kumar
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the global chaos synchronization of identical Liu-Su-Liu chaotic systems (2006) and non-identical Liu-Su-Liu chaotic system (2006) and Liu-Chen-Liu chaotic system (2007). In this paper, active nonlinear control method has been successfully applied to synchronize
two identical Liu-Su-Liu chaotic systems and then to synchronize two different chaotic systems, viz. Liu-Su-Liu and Liu-Chen-Liu chaotic systems. Since the Lyapunov exponents are not required for these calculations, the active nonlinear control method is effective and convenient to synchronize
Liu-Su-Liu and Liu-Chen-Liu chaotic systems. Numerical simulations are also given to illustrate the proposed synchronization approach.
Current Practical Applications of Electroencephalography (EEG)
Authors: Lai Chi Qin , Ibrahim Haidi , Abdullah Mohd Zaid , Abdullah Jafri Malin , Suandi Shahrel Azmin , Azman Azlinda
Published: January 2020

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to study the activities of human brain using instrument named electroencephalograph. The usage of EEG is now widened to many fields due to its great temporal resolution and other advantages. In this paper, a literature survey has been carried out to
explore and categorize applications that have been invented from EEG. The literature survey is done on works from year 2011 up to the present. Three main research areas have been explored, which are medical applications, brain–computer interface and neuromarketing. In medical applications,
EEG is used to detect brain abnormality, such as seizures or brain injury. As for BCI, many applications have been proposed for object control, object recognition, rehabilitation and human assistance. In neuromarketing, EEG is used to recognize consumers’ preference such as their preferable
products or movies. This literature review shows that the research on EEG is still growing, and the area of applications are expanding.
Resource Allocation in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access-Long Term Evaluation: Neural Network
Authors: Narender Kethavath , Puttamadappa C.
Published: January 2020

Symmetrical Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is utilized in the higher rate Wireless Communication Systems (WCSs). In the correspondence framework, a fem to cell is a little cell in building Base Station (BS), which devours less power, short range, and works in a minimal effort.
The fem to cell has little separation among sender and recipient that give higher flag quality. In spite of the favorable position in fem to cell systems, there win critical difficulties in Interference Management. Specifically, impedance between the macro cell and fem to cell turns into the
fundamental issue in OFDMA-Long Term Evaluation (OFDMA-LTE) framework. In this paper, the Neural Network and Hybrid Bee Colony and Cuckoo Search based Resource Allocation (NN-HBCCS-RA) in OFDMA-LTE framework is presented. The ideal power esteems are refreshed to dispense every one of the clients
in the fem to cell and large scale cell. The NN-HBCCS strategy accomplished low Signal to Interference Noise Ratio (SINR), otherworldly proficiency and high throughput contrasted with customary techniques.
Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms for Dengue Disease Prediction
Authors: Kannimuthu S. , Bhuvaneshwari K. S. , Bhanu D. , Vaishnavi A. , Ahalya S.
Published: January 2020

Dengue is a dangerous disease caused by female mosquitoes. Dengue fever (also called as breakbone fever) is a infection that can cause to a severe illness which is happened by four different viruses and spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It is the necessary to devise effective methodology
for dengue disease prognosis. Machine learning is a sub-filed of artificial intelligence (AI) which offers systems the ability to learn and improve from experience without human intervention and being explicitly programmed. In this research work, the performance analysis of various prediction
models is done for dengue disease prediction. It is observed that C4.5 algorithm outperforms well in terms of performance measures such as accuracy (89.33%), prediction (88.9%), recall (89.77%) and other measures.
Data Fusion and Machine Learning in Medical Diagnosis: A Bird Eye View
Authors: Arunkumar A. , Surendran D. , Sreya S.
Published: January 2020

With the invent of computer-mediated technologies, urge of medical diagnosis, surveillance system and the rapid development in satellite and sensor networks, demands an efficient data fusion techniques, methodologies and machine learning algorithms. Expert system and Data fusion has
materialized as a promising research area for medical diagnosis in the upcoming years. In Data fusion, information may be in various nature: it ranges from measurements to verbal reports. Data fusion is a framework for analysis of data sets such that different datasets can interact and inform
each other. Machine learning together with data fusion provides results with high accuracy and prediction. This paper presents a comparative analysis of existing expert systems for medical diagnosis which uses data fusion and machine learning algorithms to diagnose various diseases.
Development of an Automated Compressor Unit for Gas Compression at the Periodic Connection of an Ejector
Authors: Sazonov I. A. , Mokhov M. A. , Tumanyan Kh. A. , Frankov M. A. , Markelov S. I.
Published: January 2020

The authors developed a new scientific approach for gas compression using ejector compressor units. A new patented technical solution opens up the prospect for the effective use of ejector compressor units when compressing various gases to pressures of 10…40 MPa. The goal of
the research work is the development of automation systems using new scientific principles for gas compression. A new scientific approach is associated with the improvement of the ejector compressor unit, with the provision of conditions for the periodic connection of the ejector as part of
the implementation of the cyclic low-frequency workflow. The results of scientific research can be used to create energy-efficient technologies for compressing and transferring various gases; it can be methane, associated petroleum gas, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, hydrogen or other gases.
There is the prospect of using ejector compressors to create new internal combustion engines. Creating cheaper and more economical compressors will allow solving actual production problems in remote Arctic oil and gas fields.
Balcony Effect on Thermal Performance of the Building and Its Climate Assessment in Local Houses in Mazandaran Province
Authors: Kohneh Rood Posht Azadeh Mahmoudi , Daneshjoo Khosro , Shemirani Seyed Majid Mofidi
Published: January 2020

Utilization of natural ventilation in buildings has a long history. Architecture has been trying to response to weather conditions all the time. Wind catcher, mashrabiya, portico and iwan are some examples of climate designs in vernacular architecture which have shown the importance
of natural ventilation since a long time ago. The efficiency scope of natural ventilation when used with other cooling techniques will be more widespread. Today, designing desirable buildings using natural ventilation requires knowing theoretical foundations and a detailed study based on new
knowledge regarding the feasibility of the use of components design and equipment related to natural ventilation. The present research aims to offer architects some design solutions in order to take advantage of natural ventilation in buildings using the vernacular architecture. Through matching
features of functional spaces in local houses with climatic characteristics of regions around the Caspian sea (Mazandaran province) and determining the pattern used in these spaces in housing areas, the present study seeks to answer this question: “Are types of local houses in regions
with moderate and humid climate in Iran (Mazandaran) consistent with regional climate in terms of patterns applied in internal functional spaces? How do regional climate features affect physical form of houses?” The results show that there is a direct and consistent relationship between
vernacular architectural features of Mazandaran province and climate classification and regional climate. It also enhances home comfort in summer and finally, it can be concluded that local houses are built based on the climate classification and environment context, and natural ventilation
is the most important factor affecting the conditions which improve environmental comfort. The present research provides some guidelines for the architectural design of residential buildings in regions with moderate and humid climate with the aim of achieving maximum level of natural ventilation.
Also, in order to exploit the potential of natural ventilation, the results of the research will help architect select optimal designing parameters in harmony with the regional climate.
A Targeted Study on Simulation and Optimization of Shipping Systems
Authors: Gorgich Masoud
Published: January 2020

Over the last four decades, containers have found their special place as suitable and necessary tool for packaging in maritime transportation. With growing increase in container manufacturing, numbers of container terminals and their competition become significant. This study aims to
simulate the container terminal operation and its improvement. Simulation is carried out by Arena software. For this purpose, first base model with primary assumptions is simulated and results are obtained. At the end of first stage several scenarios are defined and using the software, the
required results are obtained. Then, we seek a way to improve the existing model to obtain better results. There are several methods for this. Since in this system there are several main factors that affect performance of the entire system, decision making management, simulation and optimization
methods in shipping systems based on design of experiment are used. Then the effect of the factors on evaluation function, intended by a decision maker, are determined. After simulation, the obtained results are examined by the Taguchi method to determine which level in each factor is the
best state and which factor is more effective in the entire process. Results demonstrated that number of berths are the most important factor in the process improvement and it should receive more attention.
Design and Application of Human Movement Respiratory and ECG Signal Acquisition System
Authors: Zhao Huayu
Published: January 2020

To realize the design of mobile phone human movement breathing and electrocardiograph (ECG) signal acquisition system based on Bluetooth transmission, the principle of the generation and detection of ECG and respiratory signal and the guide system of signal acquisition are analyzed.
Additionally, the hardware of the system is designed, including the hardware of the signal acquisition system, the design of ADS1292R ECG and respiratory signal acquisition module, the design of the main control chip and the design of the Bluetooth module. Then, the digital filtering processing
of the ECG and respiratory signals is completed, including the baseline drift filtering and the suppression of the power frequency interference. The results show that the monitoring system runs well and it can effectively collect ECG and respiratory signals, calculate heart rate and respiratory
frequency in real time, and display ECG waveform in real time. To sum up, the monitoring system is of great significance for real-time monitoring of the patient's condition.
Added Value of Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis Between Peripheral Lung Cancer and Progressive Massive Fibrosis of Coal Silicosis
Authors: Du Peng , Guo Zi-Wei , Mao Wei , Zhang Hai-Yan , Wang Quan , Cao Ai-Hong
Published: January 2020

To compare the thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (TMRI) features between peripheral lung cancer (PLC) and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) of coal silicosis (CS), and to excavate information of differential diagnostic value. 68 patients with PLC (68 lesions) were selected as lung
cancer group (LCG), and 50 patients with PMF of CS (78 lesions) were selected as coal silicosis group (CSG). TMRI was performed in both groups, and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and Spectral pre-saturated inversion recovery (SPIR) were used. The differences and characteristics
of TMRI between the two groups were analyzed. 55 cases of pulmonary masses (PM) in LCG showed iso-signal intensity on T1WI (80.9%), and 63 cases showed high-signal intensity on T2WI and SPIR (92.6%); 65 cases of PMF in CSG showed iso-signal intensity on T1WI (83.5%), and high-signal intensity
on T2WI and SPIR was found in 4 cases (5.1%), but 67 cases showed low-signal intensity (85.9%). PMF in CSG with high-signal intensity on T2WI and SPIR were significantly lower than PM in LCG(P < 0.1). Compared with TMRI of PLC showed high-signal intensity on T2WI and SPIR, PMF in
CS showed low-signal intensity on T2WI and SPIR. This feature is of important significance in differential diagnosis.
Strategies of Maximum Power Point Tracking for Sub-mW Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Capitaine Armande , Pillonnet Gael , Allard Bruno
Published: January 2020

Benthic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising alternatives to conventional batteries for powering underwater low-power sensors. Regarding performances (10's μW at 100's mV for cm 2-scale electrodes), an electrical interface is required to maximize the harvested
energy and boost the voltage. Because the MFCs electrical behavior fluctuates, it is common to refer to maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Using a sub-mW flyback converter, this paper compares the benefit of different MPPT strategies: either by maximizing the energy at the converter input
or at the converter output, or by fixing the MFC operating point at its nominal maximum power point. A practical flyback has been validated and experimentally tested for these MPPT options showing a gain in efficiency in certain configurations. The results allow determining a power budget
for MPPT controllers that should not exceed this gain. Eventually, considering typical MFC fluctuations, avoiding any MPPT controller by fixing the converter operating parameters may offer better performances for sub-mW harvesters.
Visual detection of Cu(II) ions in water environment using gold nanoparticles modified with methanobactin
Authors: Wang Yan , Xue Ye , Gao Peng , Dou Bo-Xin , Xin Jia-Ying
Published: January 2020

A Mb-functionalized AuNPs system for copper ion detection based on coordination chemistry of Mb and copper ion to mediate the assembly of Mb-functionalized gold nanoparticles was presented. Mb-functionalized AuNPs solution was stable in red color. While the presence of Cu2+
induces significant assembly of Mb-functionalized AuNPs by forming Mb2-Cu coordination along with red-to wine red-to-purple-to-blue colour changes. The solution color was related to the assembly degree of Mb-functionalized AuNPs. Meanwhile, good linear relationship of Cu2+
along with A 645 nm/525 nm values could be obtained for its quantitative determination. Furthermore, Mb-functionalized AuNPs system shows excellent selectivity to Cu2+ against any other tested metal ions and anions, and good sensitivity with LOD of 3.26 nmol/L for real water samples.
Surface area and microstructure of microwave activated crumb rubber modifier and its influence on high temperature properties of crumb rubber modifier binders
Authors: Li Bo , Zhu Xuwei , Zhang Xingjun , Yang Xiaolong , Su Xiuli
Published: January 2020

Crumb rubber pretreatment by microwave before blending with an asphalt matrix can address and improve the modification problem of of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) asphalt plant. In this research, the surface area and microstructure of microwave activated CRM and high-temperature performance
of CRM asphalt were investigated to characterize the mechanism of interaction between activated CRM blends added and base asphalt. The surface area and microstructure of CRM were measured by gas adsorption method and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively when CRM was activated
using microwave treatment time (30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s and 150 s). The complex shear modulus (G*) and the phase angle (δ) of the CRM asphalt were measured by Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test. The results indicated that microwave treatment produced more porous structure
and agglomeration phenomenon than control one for a given activated time of CRM. The flocculent structure was the most obvious one and agglomeration phenomenon was the most significant one for the particle surface microwave activated 90 s. The δ decreased and G* increased as CRM
blends activated time increased before a certain time using the same frequency of microwave treatment. The G*/sinδ of CRM blends was the maximum when CRM activated for 90 s using microwave treatment. Both surface area and microstructure of the CRM influenced the high-temperature
performance of CRM binders.
Manganese (II), ferric (III), cobalt (II) and copper (II) thiosemicarbazone Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic, molecular docking and biological discussions
Authors: Al-Wasidi Asma S. , Naglah Ahmed M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Al-Obaid Abdul-Rahman M. , Alosaimi Eid H. , El-Metwaly Nashwa M. , Refat Moamen S. , Ahmed Ahmed S. , El-Deen Ibrahim M. , Soliman Aida H. , Emam Aml
Published: January 2020

Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base complexes with general formula ML−2 .nH2O (where M is a respected metal ions and L−2 is the Schiff base). The Schiff base (L = TSCPA) was formed by the condensation of thiosemicarbazide
and phthalic anhydride in acetic acid. The microanalytical analysis confirmed the 1:1 (metal: ligand) molar ratio. Magnetic susceptibility and electronic absorption spectra were suggested that the Fe(III) and Co(II) complexes were octahedral structure but the Mn(II) and Cu(II) complexes were
tetrahedral geometry. FTIR spectra reveal that the ligand exists, predominantly, as keto form in a solid state but as enol form in the alkaline medium. The coordination between TSCPA chelate and central metal ions take place through nitrogen –NH, sulphur C=S and oxygen
–OH groups. Based on the molar conductance measurements the complexes may be formulated as [Mn(L)(H2O)] · 4H2O, [Fe(L)(Cl)(H2O)2] · 2H2O, [Co(L)(H2O)3] · 3H2O and [Cu(L)(H2O)]
· 4H2O due to their non-electrolytic behavior. The Schiff base ligand and their metal complexes were screened in vitro against G(+Ve) and G(−Ve) bacteria. This study came after proactive step, which concerning with docking study against pathogen proteins
corresponding to microorganisms for bacteria and fungi, which will be scanned in vitro study. Thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) were discussed.
Photochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in H2O/Triton X-100/[Bmim]PF6 ionic liquid microemulsions and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ye Ranfeng , Ni Min , Chen Hao , Li Shengqing
Published: January 2020

This study presented a photoreduction route for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in ionic liquid microemulsions (ILMs). The 10 nm Ag NPs were photochemically synthesized in the H2O/Triton X-100/[Bmim]PF6 (HTB) ILMs. Above 99% Escherichia coli (E.
coli) BL21 was killed in the presence of 1.56 μg/mL Ag NPs solution after incubation for 20 min, indicating that the Ag NPs prepared in HTB ILMs was applicable for the antimicrobial agent. This proposed approach for controllable preparation of Ag NPs is facile and environment-friendly,
which provides great possibilities for the further functional modification of Ag NPs.
Efficient Adsorption of Cu(II) Ions by a Laminar Nanocomposite of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Coupled with Fungal Mycelium in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ding Zhexu , Yang Haiyu , Du Min , Ruan Xiaofang , Luo Jun , Chen Sha , Li Ding
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, extensive use of copper in electric industries has severely contaminated aquatic environments. To address this issue, combining fungal biomass with nanomaterials is considered as an efficient way for adsorbing heavy metals from wastewater. In this work, a novel composite material
"Fungal mycelium coupled with Carbon nanotubes" (FM-CNTs) was synthesized and used for adsorption of Cu(II) ions in aqueous solution. To begin with, potassium permanganate and concentrated nitric acid were used as strong oxidants to modify the surface of CNTs, creating additional carboxyl
groups for coupling with amine groups from the surface of FM. Next, various characterization approaches such as SEM-EDX, FT-IR, XPS and TGA, were used to investigate the interaction between FM-CNTs and Cu(II) ions. Characterization results showed that the surface of FM-CNTs were significantly
changed after absorbing Cu(II) ions. Further, the effect of pH on adsorption capacity of FM-CNTs for Cu(II) was explored, showing that FM-CNTs had the best adsorption performance at pH of 5. Finally, Langmuir-Freundlich isothermal models were performed to analyze the adsorption behavior of
FM-CNTs for Cu(II). The experimental data from the adsorption of Cu(II) by FM-CNTs were best fitted to the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption amount of the FMCNTs for Cu(II) was found to be 342.22 mg/g. More importantly, FM-CNTs showed better adsorption capacity than fungal mycelium
alone. Overall, FM-CNTs exhibited excellent performance for adsorption of Cu(II) ions, thus greatly broadening its application prospects in copper-contaminated wastewater treatment.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Reduce X-ray Irradiation-Induced Damage to the Immune Cells by Upregulation of Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase
Authors: Si Shaoyan , Li Lindong , Wang Zongye , Wu Yingying , Shan Gaixian , Xu Bingxin , Qin Yaya , Duan Ran , Song Shujun
Published: January 2020

Ionizing radiation cause serious damage to humans by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immune system is one of the most sensitive system to ionizing radiation. Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are strong ROS scavengers. In this research we observed that whether CeO2
nanoparticles could improve immune function of X-rays irradiated mice and their antioxidant potential. The whole body of mice were once exposed to 4 Gy X-ray and treated with 5 nm CeO2 nanoparticles. Then, immune cells distribution in peripheral blood (PB), spleen T cells proliferation,
spleen and thymus indexes, the concentration of Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. The results showed that CeO2 nanoparticles could inprove immune cells distribution in PB and increase spleen T cells proliferation, thymus
and spleen indexes, concentration of GSH-Px and activity of SOD in irradiated mice. The results suggest that CeO2 nanoparticles can improve immune function by inducing the production of GSH-Px and SOD in X-ray irradiated mice.
Emission Spectral Reconstruction Based on Principal Component Analysis Applied to Fluorescence Full-Color Prints
Authors: Shang Mi , Yang Ling , Liu Danfei , Cui Zijie , Zhong Yunfei
Published: January 2020

Color reproduction of fluorescent full-color prints depends on many factors, such as preparation of luminescent inks, ratio of luminescent inks to each other, printing technology and so on. In order to make color expression more abundant on fluorescent full-color prints, reconstruction
of fluorescence emission spectrum is particularly significant. As opposed to custom methods, principal component analysis has been applied to color science permanently. The method was applied to emission spectral reconstruction in this work and the up-conversion luminescent inks were selected.
336 samples were composed of single ink halftone at a quarter, half, 75%, and 100% surface coverages. The samples were firstly superimposed in one ink and two inks on the blank paper. Moreover, their emission spectral was measured and the procedure for principal component analysis was also
performed. The emission spectral was reconstructed by using 1 nm interval from 351 nm to 748 nm. Ultimately, the accuracy of recovery spectral was evaluated through CIEDE2000 color difference evaluation. The obtained results indicated that principal component analysis can be used to reconstruct
emission spectra. Besides, the method can also be used for color estimation between different printing materials.
A Rapid One-Step Method for Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis with Polyethylene Glycol 200
Authors: Mou Xianbo , Sheng Danni , Zhu Yabin , Hou Ruixia , Zhou Mi , Feng Peipei , Qiu Haofeng
Published: January 2020

Because of their unique and excellent properties, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been widely used in biological monitoring, cosmetics and clinical fields. In this study, PEG200, as a component, and ascorbic acid, as a reducing agent, were used to develop a rapid one-step method for
GNPs synthesis at room temperature. The effect of PEG200 on GNPs synthesis and tolerance of GNPs to some common solvents were also investigated. The whole synthesis process was completed within one hour, and transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis
characterization showed that the GNPs synthesized by this method had mono dispersity, a strong absorption peak at 522 nm, with an average particle size of 20.38 nm. Stability study showed that the color and UV spectrum of GNPs solution did not change significantly within 90 days. Moreover,
its strong tolerance to PB (0.1 M), NaCl (0.9%) and TE solutions was also observed. This method avoids high temperature process, reduces the difficulty of condition control, and can provide immediate PEG-GNPs synthesis for some special occasions, and the strong solution tolerance ensures its
great potential application in many fields.
Comparison of Raindrop Size Distribution between NASA’s S-Band Polarimetric Radar and Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometers
Authors: Tokay Ali , D’Adderio Leo Pio , Marks David A. , Pippitt Jason L. , Wolff David B. , Petersen Walter A.
Published: January 2020

The ground-based-radar-derived raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters—mass-weighted drop diameter Dmass and normalized intercept parameter NW—are the sole resource for direct validation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Core Observatory satellite-based retrieved DSD. Both Dmass and NW are obtained from radar-measured reflectivity ZH and differential reflectivity ZDR through empirical relationships. This study uses existing relationships that were determined for the GPM ground validation (GV) program and directly compares the NASA S-band polarimetric radar (NPOL) observables of ZH and ZDR and derived Dmass and NW with those calculated by two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD). The joint NPOL and 2DVD datasets were acquired during three GPM GV field campaigns conducted in eastern Iowa, southern Appalachia, and western Washington State. The comparative study quantifies the level of agreement for ZH, ZDR, Dmass, and log(NW) at an optimum distance (15–40 km) from the radar as well as at distances greater than 60 km from radar and over mountainous terrain. Interestingly, roughly 10%–15% of the NPOL ZH–ZDR pairs were well outside the envelope of 2DVD-estimated ZH–ZDR pairs. The exclusion of these pairs improved the comparisons noticeably.
Dynamical Elliptical Diagnostics of the Antarctic Polar Vortex
Authors: Mester M. , Esler J. G.
Published: January 2020

Elliptical diagnostics provide dynamical and climatological information about the behavior of the Arctic and Antarctic stratospheric polar vortices. Here Kida’s model, describing the evolution of a uniform vortex in a linear, but possibly unsteady, background flow, is used to interpret the observed evolution of the Antarctic vortex in late winter during 1999–2018. Kida’s model has oscillatory solutions that can undergo an amplitude bifurcation, which serves as a simple model for the onset of vortex-splitting stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs). A data assimilation method is used to find solutions of Kida’s equations consistent with the observations. A phase-plane analysis reveals large interannual variability in the amplitude of oscillations of the vortex. In 2002, the year of the only observed vortex-splitting Antarctic SSW, the system is found to cross a separatrix in phase space, associated with the SSW amplitude bifurcation, in late September. An output of the data assimilation is the linear background flow experienced by the vortex. The rotational component of this linear flow is consistent with the vortex being embedded in an anticyclonic background. The time-mean strain flow is weak but has a clear orientation, consistent with the presence of stationary forcing due to planetary-scale topography and land–sea contrast. The time-varying strain flow is comparatively large in magnitude, illustrating the relative importance of the planetary-scale component of the turbulent dynamics occurring at tropopause level. Unlike in the Northern Hemisphere, therefore, the direction of future Antarctic vortex splits will not necessarily align with the direction of the 2002 split.
Educational Expansion, Skills Diffusion, and the Economic Value of Credentials and Skills
Authors: Araki Satoshi
Published: January 2020

Examining the economic value of education has been a central research agenda of social scientists for decades. However, prior research inadequately accounts for the discrepancy between educational credentials and skills at both the individual and societal levels. In this article, I investigate the link between credentials, skills, and labor market outcomes against a background of societal-level educational expansion and skills diffusion. Using internationally comparable OECD data for approximately 30,000 individuals in 26 countries, I find that both credentials and skills generally contribute to occupational and monetary rewards. In particular, the premium for credentials far outweighs that for skills. This is in contrast to recent arguments that skills are the key to economic success. Nevertheless, returns to credentials decline in tandem with educational expansion, whereas skills retain their premium even as they diffuse in a given society. Furthermore, skills diffusion also leads to the diminishing monetary return to high credentials. These findings suggest that skills diffusion promotes more meritocratic reward allocation via devaluing high credentials without explicit depreciation of high skills.
I Am Afrocentric and Pan-African: A Response to Tawanda Sydesky Nyawasha on Scholarship in South Africa
Authors: Asante Molefi Kete
Published: January 2020

African intellectuals are debating the future of knowledge construction in the wake of the collapse of colonization, European settlerism, and apartheid. Tawanda Sydesky Nyawasha has posited the debate between Afrocentricity and Eurocentrism in his paper “I am of Popper; I am of Asante: The Polemics of Scholarship in South Africa” published in Studies in Philosophy and Education as an expression of this contested ground. This response article argues that Africans have a duty to interrogate their own epistemological discourses in order to understand the history of knowledge construction on the continent of Africa. As the construction of the first pyramid at Sakkara was a consolidating event of human study, detailed investigations, elaboration of ideas, and advancement of the sciences and arts around 2700 BCE, clearly, African studies should stand at the head of the discourses about knowledge. Therefore, in this response, the author challenges Nyawasha’s understanding of Afrocentricity and criticizes the marginalization of African perspectives as just another assertion of Eurocentric ideas as universal when in fact they arise from a specific history and culture.
The Forum Bar in UK Extradition Law: An Unnecessary Failure
Authors: Arnell Paul , Davies Gemma
Published: January 2020

The introduction of the forum bar into UK extradition law was unnecessary. It is a failure. It was unnecessary because extant law addressed, or could have addressed, the putative mischief giving rise to it. It is a failure because it admits only limited and optional prosecutorial input into forum bar decisions and, more fundamentally, because it is founded upon two misplaced premises. The forum bar is irredeemable and should be repealed.
The missing dalit women in testimonies of #MeToo sexual violence: Learnings for social movements
Authors: Bansode Rupali
Published: January 2020

While the #MeToo movement inspired many women to share their stories of sexual harassment on social media, the impact of the movement in India remains limited as it did not reflect the voices of subjects who have been historically marginalised. This note discusses the ways in which the erasure of dalit women’s testimonies of sexual violence happens by reflecting on a few central aspects of Satyabhama’s case, a victim/survivor of a caste-based incident of sexual violence in Maharashtra. It argues the relevance and importance of dalit women’s testimonies of sexual violence, which have been overlooked, for strengthening both the feminist and the dalit movements.
Immigration System, Labor Market Structures, and Overeducation of High-Skilled Immigrants in the United States and Canada
Authors: Lu Yao , Hou Feng
Published: January 2020

Why do high-skilled Canadian immigrants lag behind their US counterparts in labor-market outcomes, despite Canada’s merit-based immigration selection system and more integrative context? This article investigates a mismatch between immigrants’ education and occupations, operationalized by overeducation, as an explanation. Using comparable data and three measures of overeducation, we find that university-educated immigrant workers in Canada are consistently much more likely to be overeducated than their US peers and that the immigrant–native gap in the overeducation rate is remarkably higher in Canada than in the United States. This article further examines how the cross-national differences are related to labor-market structures and selection mechanisms for immigrants. Whereas labor-market demand reduces the likelihood of immigrant overeducation in both countries, the role of supply-side factors varies: a higher supply of university-educated immigrants is positively associated with the likelihood of overeducation in Canada, but not in the United States, pointing to an oversupply of high-skilled immigrants relative to Canada’s smaller economy. Also, in Canada the overeducation rate is significantly lower for immigrants who came through employer selection (i.e., those who worked in Canada before obtaining permanent residence) than for those admitted directly from abroad through the point system. Overall, the findings suggest that a merit-based immigration system likely works better when it takes into consideration domestic labor-market demand and the role of employer selection.
Ablation of ventricular tachycardia by direct left ventricle puncture through a minithoracotomy after double valve replacement: a case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Ming-Yang , Zeng Li-Jun , Li Xue-Xun , Tian Ying , Su Pi-Xiong , Yang Xin-Chun , Liu Xing-Peng
Published: January 2020

We herein describe a 33-year-old woman with a mechanical aortic and mitral valve who developed repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with unstable hemodynamics. Catheter ablation by direct puncture at the left ventricular apex through a minithoracotomy successfully terminated the ventricular tachycardia, which had originated from the apical-septal endocardium in the left ventricle, despite the hindrance to routine access. No procedure-related complications or recurrence of the clinical ventricular tachycardia developed during a 66-month follow-up, demonstrating that endocardial ablation through direct cardiac cavity puncture can be considered in select cases.
Depression But Not Inflammatory Markers Are Increased in Family Versus Nonfamily Caregivers of Persons With Dementia
Authors: Sadowska Anna , Wyczalkowska-Tomasik Aleksandra , Zegarow Pawel , Czarkowska-Paczek Bozena
Published: January 2020

We investigated quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety and depression (HADS-M), life satisfaction (SWLS), and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cortisol in family caregivers (n = 94) and professional caregivers (n = 48) of demented patients, as well as among noncaregivers (n = 30). Compared with professional caregivers, family caregivers had higher scores in HADS-M depression ( P = .003) and anxiety ( P = .033), lower life satisfaction ( P = .04), and lower quality of life in psychological ( P = .02) and social relationship ( P = .03) domains. There were no differences in serum levels of IL-6, CRP, or cortisol between caregivers and control participants. In multivariable analysis, when family relationship was considered together with the time period of caregiving and results of the Mini-Mental State Examination test in care recipients (n = 118, 12.49 ± 7.99), only family relationship influenced scores in HADS-M depression ( P = .004), SWLS scores ( P = .011), and WHOQoL-BREF scores in psychological ( P = .011) and social relationship ( P = .008) domains. In conclusion, family caregivers are more stressed and have deeper depressive and anxiety disorders, lower life satisfaction, and lower quality of life than professional caregivers.
Monolingual Language Ideologies and the Massachusetts Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement Initiative: A Critical Policy Analysis
Authors: Chang-Bacon Chris K.
Published: January 2020

With U.S. classrooms increasingly characterized by linguistic diversity, policies mandating teacher training around English learning have proliferated. Recent federal oversight prompted Massachusetts to implement an initiative to endorse its 70,000+ teachers in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI). While policy research has productively emphasized teachers as policy interpreters within such initiatives, almost no research exists on the role teacher educators play in the policy interpretive process. Therefore, this study documents how teacher educators across Massachusetts interpreted and operationalized the SEI endorsement policy. Drawing on document and interview analysis, findings highlight key experiences, contextual factors, and ideological dispositions that informed participants’ policy interpretations. Instructors navigated tensions between their own goals to affirm linguistic diversity and the monolingual orientations produced through the state’s recently overturned English-only policy. These findings demonstrate the affordances of examining the role of language ideologies in policy interpretation, with implications for large-scale language policy initiatives and educational policy interpretation more broadly.