bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The protective effect of isosteviol sodium on cardiac function and myocardial remodelling in transverse aortic constriction rat
Authors: Ke Qingjin , Liu Fei , Tang Yuxin , Chen Jiedi , Hu Hui , Sun Xiaoou , Tan Wen
Published: December 2020

Pathological hypertrophy contributes to heart failure and there is not quite effective treatment to invert this process. Isosteviol has been shown to protect the heart against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury and isoproterenol‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, but its effect on pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy is still unknown. Pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) causes cardiac hypertrophy in rats to mimic the pathological condition in human. This study examined the effects of isosteviol sodium (STVNa) on cardiac hypertrophy by the TAC model and cellular assays in vitro. Cardiac function test, electrocardiogram analysis and histological analysis were conducted. The effects of STVNa on calcium transient of the adult rat ventricular cells and the proliferation of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were also studied in vitro. Cardiac hypertrophy was observed after 3‐week TAC while the extensive cardiac dysfunction and electronic remodelling were observed after 9‐week TAC. Both STVNa and sildenafil (positive drug) treatment reversed the two process, but STVNa appeared to be more superior in some aspects and did not change calcium transient considerably. STVNa also reversed TAC‐induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo and TGF‐β1‐induced fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Moreover, STVNa, but not sildenafil, reversed impairment of the autonomic nervous system induced by 9‐week TAC.
Mortality and pre‐hospitalization use of low‐dose aspirin in COVID‐19 patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Chen Peng , Li Huaping , Chen Chen , Wang Feng , Wang Dao Wen
Published: December 2020

To determine whether pre‐hospitalization use of aspirin is associated with all‐cause mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We recruited 183 adult patients with CAD diagnosed with COVID‐19, including 52 taking low‐dose aspirin (mean [SD] age, 69.7 [1.1] years; 59.6% men) and 131 without using aspirin (mean [SD] age, 71.8 [0.9] years; 51.9% men), who were admitted in the Tongji hospital in Wuhan, China from January 10, 2020 to March 30, 2020. There was no difference on in‐hospital mortality between aspirin group and non‐aspirin group (21.2% vs. 22.1%, P = .885). Similarly, for critically severe COVID‐19 patients, the mortality in aspirin group was close to that in non‐aspirin group (44% vs. 45.9%, P = .872). Moreover, the percentage of patients with CAD taking low‐dose aspirin did not differ between those survivors and non‐survivors (28.7% vs. 27.5%, P = .885). Meanwhile, the usage of aspirin was not correlated with all‐cause mortality in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.411‐2.172, P = .893). Collectively, our study suggested that the pre‐hospitalization use of low‐dose aspirin was not associated with the clinical outcome of patients with CAD hospitalized with COVID‐19 infections.
Is metformin a miracle or a menace in COVID‐19 patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Lui David Tak Wai , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng
Published: December 2020

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Automating autism assessment: What AI can bring to the diagnostic process
Authors: Erden Yasemin J. , Hummerstone Harriet , Rainey Stephen
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD, hereafter autism). In so doing we examine some problems in existing diagnostic processes and criteria, including issues of bias and interpretation, and on concepts like the ‘double empathy problem’. We then consider how novel applications of AI might contribute to these contexts. We're focussed specifically on adult diagnostic procedures as childhood diagnosis is already well covered in the literature.
Adnexal torsion without neoplastic lesions after laparoscopic hysterectomy: A report of three cases and literature review
Authors: Ogawa Chiemi , Amano Tsukuru , Higuchi Asuka , Tsuji Shunichiro , Kimura Fuminori , Murakami Takashi
Published: December 2020

The major risk factor for adnexal torsion is the presence of adnexal neoplasms, and torsion without a neoplastic lesion of the adnexa is rare. We report three cases of right adnexal torsion without neoplastic lesion after laparoscopic hysterectomy. In all three cases, the right adnexas, which did not form adhesions, had undergone torsion. According to several case reports, most cases of adnexal torsion after laparoscopic hysterectomy developed without neoplastic lesion. In fact, adnexal torsion without neoplasm is reported to occur relatively frequently after laparoscopic hysterectomy and more commonly involves the right side. Therefore, at the end of laparoscopic hysterectomy, ovariopexy should be performed to prevent postoperative adnexal torsion.
Use of music in reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy: Prospective randomized trial
Authors: Law Ho Ying , Ng Dorothy Yuet Tao , Chung Carmen Diana
Published: December 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effect of music in reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy under no anesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial From June 2019 to December 2019 in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 107 patients were randomized to music group (n = 54) or non‐music group (n = 53). Music was played during outpatient hysteroscopy in the music group. Patients in the non‐music group had the procedure done in the same setting without music. Primary outcome was the level of pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) score before and during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were vital parameters that reflect the level of pain including blood pressure and heart rate.

Results

Patients in the music group experienced significantly less pain during outpatient hysteroscopy (VAS score 4.54 ± 2.89 vs 5.88 ± 2.90; P = 0.02). The anticipated pain level was similar in both groups (VAS score 5.59 ± 2.27 vs 6.11 ± 2.43; P = 0.27). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all the vital parameters.

Conclusion

Listening to music during outpatient hysteroscopy under no anesthesia significantly reduces pain in a well‐matched Chinese population. Music is easy to provide with low‐cost equipment and manpower. We recommend the routine use of music during outpatient hysteroscopy to improve patient care.
Transabdominal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval using vaginal ultrasound probe: Definition of the technique
Authors: Sönmezer Murat , Gülümser Çağrı , Sönmezer Meltem , Sükür Yavuz Emre , Atabekoğlu Cem
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To define whether transabdominal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR) is a feasible, effective and safe method.

Methods

A total of 64 patients who underwent TUGOR in a tertiary referral university hospital in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic were enrolled. Indications, total number of oocytes collected, total number and percentage of mature oocytes, duration of procedure, complication rates and total number of fertilized oocytes were assessed.

Results

The indications for TUGOR were as follows; virgin women with decreased ovarian reserve who opted fertility preservation (n = 52, 81.1%), Ewing Sarcoma (n = 1, 1.56%), breast cancer (n = 4, 6.2%), lymphoma (n = 1, 1.56%) endometrioma (n = 1, 1.56%), immature teratoma of the ovary (n = 1, 1.56%), multiple large uterine fibroids (n = 2, 3.1%), adnexal transposition due to bowel surgery (n = 1, 1.56%) and Mayer Rokitansky Küster Hauser Syndrome (n = 1, 1.56%). Total number of oocytes retrieved and mean number of oocytes collected were 315 and 4.92 ± 1.7 (range 1–21), respectively. The mean duration of the procedure was 12.4 ± 1.2 min. The number and percentage of mature oocytes were 272 and 86.3%, respectively. A total of 14 embryos were frozen in four patients and one blastocyst transfer was performed ending up with live birth. Superficial epigastric artery injury occurred in two patients and resolved spontaneously. No oocyte was retrieved in five patients with single growing follicle in the first attempt.

Conclusion

TUGOR is a feasible, effective and safe method of oocyte retrieval for the purpose of fertility preservation or in patients with inaccessible ovaries via transvaginal route undergoing IVF.
Sally Merry: Mentor Extraordinaire
Authors: Lefkowitz Melissa
Published: December 2020

The first time I spoke with Sally Merry as an official graduate student in New York University's (NYU) PhD program in sociocultural anthropology, we were meeting in Vanderbilt Hall at the NYU School of Law, an impressive place to me partially because I had worked there for the past 3 years. In that building, I had served assistant and bureaucratic roles, and my engagement with professors extended to their thanks for catering their food and scheduling their conferences. Meeting Sally in Vanderbilt Hall as a PhD student was the first time that I had a meeting with an NYU Law professor as an academic-in-training, as someone who might contribute to scholarship collaboratively and even collegially in the future. Suffice it to say that I was nervous.
Sally Engle Merry: A Deeply Appreciative Remembrance
Authors: McCann Michael
Published: December 2020

Sally Merry was a brilliant intellectual, a prolific researcher, and a generous, gentle person. Her passing is a great professional and personal loss, and I am deeply saddened.
Challenging procedures used in systematic reviews by promoting a case‐based approach to the analysis of qualitative methods in nursing trials
Authors: Creamer Elizabeth G. , Guetterman Timothy C. , Govia Ishtar , Fetters Michael D.
Published: December 2020

This methodological discussion invites critical reflection about the procedures used to analyze the contribution of qualitative and mixed methods research to nursing trials by mounting an argument that these should rest on multiple publications produced about a project, rather than a single article. We illustrate the value‐added of this approach with findings from a qualitative, cross‐case analysis of three critical case exemplars from nursing researchers that each used a qualitative approach with a mixed method phase. The holistic lens afforded by a case‐based approach informs nursing inquiry by documenting that the critical case exemplars presented evidence of (a) a sustained commitment of resources and expertise for the qualitative methods that extended across more than one phase of the trial, (b) the impact of the qualitative methods on the trial or its aftermath, (c) deploying a theoretical or conceptual framework for a variety of purposes, and (d) integrating qualitative and quantitative data for purposes of extending explanatory power. Findings challenge the practice of linking purposes served by qualitative and mixed methods to a single trial phase.
Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa treated with dupilumab
Authors: Zhou Amanda G. , Little Alicia J. , Antaya Richard J.
Published: December 2020

Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (EBP) is a variant of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa characterized by intense pruritus and prurigo nodularis‐like lesions. While medical therapies for EBP exist, current treatments are not consistently effective, and symptoms often cause decreased quality of life. Here, we report two cases of EBP treated with dupilumab, which decreased symptoms of pruritus and improved skin findings. Both patients have been on dupilumab for over one year with sustained improvement and no adverse effects; although in one patient, increased dosing was required to attain optimal control of disease.
Comparative analysis of the light parameters of red and near‐infrared diode lasers to induce photobiomodulation on fibroblasts and keratinocytes: An in vitro study
Authors: Topaloglu Nermin , Özdemir Merve , Çevik Ziyşan Buse Yaralı
Published: December 2020

Background

Photobiomodulation (PBM) depends on the use of non‐ionizing light energy to trigger photochemical changes, particularly in light‐sensitive mitochondrial structures. It triggers proliferation and the metabolic activity of the cells, primarily by utilizing the energy from the near‐infrared to the red wavelength of the light.

Purpose

This in vitro study has analyzed comparatively the most appropriate energy doses and wavelengths to induce PBM on keratinocytes and fibroblasts for the accelerated wound healing process.

Methods

1, 3, and 5 J/cm2 energy densities of 655 and 808‐nm diode lasers were used to promote cell proliferation and wound healing process. Scratch assay and MTT analysis were performed on keratinocytes and fibroblasts for wound closure and cell proliferation after the triple light applications, respectively.

Results

655‐nm of wavelength was more successful on keratinocytes to induce wound healing and cell proliferation, whereas 808‐nm of wavelength was so effective on fibroblasts to heal the wounds totally and it induced cell proliferation almost 3 times compared to the untreated control group.

Conclusion

This study revealed that PBM with 655 and 808 nm of wavelengths was effective to speed up the wound healing process at specific energy densities. In general 808‐nm of wavelength was more successful. However, the proper wavelength and the energy density may differ according to the cell type. Thus, every light parameter should be chosen properly to obtain better outcomes during PBM applications.
Cohort Profile: The Shanghai Sleep Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Jianfei , Sun Wanqi , Song Yuanjin , Dong Shumei , Lin Qingmin , Deng Yujiao , Meng Min , Zhu Qi , Jiang Yanrui , Wang Guanghai , Tong Shilu , Liu Shijian , Mei Hao , Jiang Fan
Published: December 2020

Background

Sleep disturbances in women occur frequently throughout pregnancy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the increasing incidence of physiological and psychological illness is concurrent with increasing sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality in adults and children.

Objectives

The Shanghai Sleep Birth Cohort Study (SSBCS) was established to examine the effect of sleep disturbances during the third trimester on emotional regulation of mothers; to assess the effect of maternal sleep during pregnancy on the growth and development of children; and to explore the influence of children's sleep characteristics on physical and social‐emotional development.

Population

The study was conducted in the Renji Hospital in Pudong New District, Shanghai from May 2012 to July 2013. Women and their newborns who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in this study were recruited to the SSBCS.

Methods

The follow‐up visits for children were conducted at the age of 42 days, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, and 3, 4, and 6 years. Data on demographic factors, physical examination, sleep assessment, developmental and psychiatric assessment, diet records, and biological samples were collected throughout the study.

Preliminary results

A total of 277 pregnant women were recruited to the study; the response rate was 64.3%. 37.9% of the pregnant women had poor sleep quality and 12.0% suffered from depression. Infant sleep patterns changed during the first year of life, but most sleep characteristics showed little variation from 6 to 12 months.

Conclusions

The SSBCS is an on‐going prospective cohort study with follow‐up to 6 years. The detailed data on demographic factors, sleep assessment, physical examinations, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric assessment, diet records, and biological samples make this research platform an important resource for examining the potential effects of sleep characteristics on both maternal and child health.
Data Mining Approaches for Assessing Chemical Coexposures Using Consumer Product Purchase Data
Authors: Tornero‐Velez Rogelio , Isaacs Kristin , Dionisio Kathie , Prince Steven , Laws Hanna , Nye Michael , Price Paul S. , Buckley Timothy J.
Published: December 2020

The use of consumer products presents a potential for chemical exposures to humans. Toxicity testing and exposure models are routinely employed to estimate risks from their use; however, a key challenge is the sparseness of information concerning who uses products and which products are used contemporaneously. Our goal was to demonstrate a method to infer use patterns by way of purchase data. We examined purchase patterns for three types of personal care products (cosmetics, hair care, and skin care) and two household care products (household cleaners and laundry supplies) using data from 60,000 households collected over a one‐year period in 2012. The market basket analysis methodology frequent itemset mining (FIM) was used to identify co‐occurring sets of product purchases for all households and demographic groups based on income, education, race/ethnicity, and family composition. Our methodology captured robust co‐occurrence patterns for personal and household products, globally and for different demographic groups. FIM identified cosmetic co‐occurrence patterns captured in prior surveys of cosmetic use, as well as a trend of increased diversity of cosmetic purchases as children mature to teenage years. We propose that consumer product purchase data can be mined to inform person‐oriented use patterns for high‐throughput chemical screening applications, for aggregate and combined chemical risk evaluations.
Legal Valences of Public-Private Partnership in the Republic of Moldova as an Economic Tool for Innovative Directions of Development
Authors: Calugareanu Irina
Published: December 2020

The current economic situation leads to significant changes in the social sector of society. Formerly owned by the state, the infrastructure objects are transferred to private companies, the state reserving the right to regulate and monitor the subsequent activities of these objects. The public-private partnership is based on the cooperation between the public partner and the private partner to increase the efficiency of the public patrimony, each partner assuming concrete risks, innovations, and responsibilities.The Republic of Moldova development required the introduction of innovative management tools for implementing state and regional development strategies, such as the new format of specific programs, strategies for developing regional clusters, the introduction of public-private partnership principles. Governments understood that PPPs could help overcome the situation in the Republic of Moldova when medium and long-term financing sources with a maturity of 3 years are virtually inaccessible within the existing banking system. This situation, combined with a constant lack of financial resources in the budget, suggests that the initiation of the PPP is an alternative tool to further the country's infrastructure development.The article reviews the local legal valences on the public-private partnerships as an economic tool for innovative directions of development and the main weaknesses of the Republic of Moldova framework.
Anti-Resonance Frequency Control by Span-Tuning Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Brush Cutter Vibration Reduction
Authors: Koike Yuki , Tsuruoka Shingo
Published: December 2020

Significant handle vibrations often occur during mowing operation even with anti-vibration type brush cutters. This is often caused by combined-bending natural mode of the main pipe and driveshaft which is mainly excited by cutting head rotational force. In this study, we focused on the placement span of the rubber bushings that support the driveshaft to suppress this kind of resonance. More specifically, we have designed a new component, called a span-tuning dynamic vibration absorber (ST-DVA), which utilizes the bending mode of the driveshaft that is determined by the placement span of rubber bushings. Analysis results of the finite element method (FEM) showed that the ST-DVA generated anti-resonance at a specific point on the main pipe under the first-order inertial force of the cutting head. We also succeeded in controlling anti-resonance frequency under the excitation. In actual measurements at the target frequency, handle vibration of the first-order component of the cutting head could be reduced by 51% and overall handle vibration could be reduced by 49% compared with those produced via equal-span rubber bushing placement. Hence, our study provides a design method that makes it possible to utilize the driveshaft, which a primary brush cutter component, as a dynamic vibration absorber by altering the placement span of the rubber bushings.
Navier-Stokes-based model of the clarinet
Authors: Giordano N. , Thacker J. W.
Published: December 2020

A model of a single reed instrument is studied in which the reed is described as an Euler-Bernoulli beam, and the air flow through the instrument is calculated using the Navier-Stokes equations. The hypothetical instrument resembles a clarinet, but is smaller than a real clarinet to keep the numerical modeling feasible on available supercomputers. This article explores the conditions under which the frequency of the reed oscillations and the emitted sound are determined by the resonant frequency of the bore of the instrument. The effect of the contact between the reed and the player's lips is also studied, and quantitative results for the air density and pressure in the mouthpiece and throughout the instrument bore are also presented.
Determining threadlike micelle lengths from rheometry
Authors: Tan Grace , Zou Weizhong , Weaver Mike , Larson Ronald G.
Published: December 2020

We show that the average length ⟨L⟩ of threadlike micelles in surfactant solutions predicted by fitting results of a mesoscopic simulation, the “pointer algorithm,” to experimental G′(ω), G″(ω) data, is longer than, and more accurate than, that from a scaling law that equates ⟨L⟩/le to the modulus ratio G0/Gmin′′. Here, G0 is the plateau modulus, Gmin′′ is obtained at the local minimum in G″, and le is the entanglement length. The accuracy of the pointer algorithm is supported by the agreement of its predictions with results from a recent application of the slip-spring simulation method to threadlike micelles. Improved fits of the pointer algorithm to the slip-spring results are obtained for weakly entangled micelles (with an average number of entanglements of Z < 15) if the full spectrum of Rouse modes is included in the description rather than just the high-frequency modes included in an earlier version. For sodium laureth-1 sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine in NaCl solutions, we find scaling relations for micelle length, the plateau modulus, and the persistence length that are in rough agreement with the predictions of mean field theory and with the modified scaling relation in which ⟨L⟩/le is raised to the 0.82 power, rather than unity, that we recommend as an improvement to the original scaling law.
Supplemental Material: Quantitative reconstruction of pore-pressure history in sedimentary basins using fluid escape pipes
Authors: Cartwright Joe , al. et
Published: December 2020

Background information, methods, and data.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon in a large river–lake ecosystem: managing an endemic, large-bodied population of high conservation value
Authors: Greenberg Larry A. , Norrgård Johnny R. , Gustafsson Pär , Bergman Eva
Published: December 2020

Managing and conserving threatened migratory salmonid populations in large river–lake ecosystems is challenging not only because of the ecosystems’ large size, but also because there is often more than one anthropomorphic stressor. The River Klarälven – Lake Vänern ecosystem, situated in Norway and Sweden, is a large, highly modified ecosystem, home to a threatened, endemic, large-bodied population of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). With 11 dams, the salmon population has been maintained through extensive stocking and a truck and transport system for spawners. Here we review what we have learned about the salmon after 15 years of research, highlighting the major findings for each life stage. Our studies indicate that the salmon population is below carrying capacity, and we suggest measures to increase the number of spawners and downstream passage success. Habitat restoration to compensate for losses from former log-driving activities is expected to further increase carrying capacity. Re-establishing salmon in Klarälven’s upper reaches in Norway, while possible, is fraught with both ecological and legislative hurdles. Substantial long-term funding is needed to foster co-management and ensure a sustainable fishery.
Hamilton-Jacobi formulation of holographic entanglement entropy
Authors: Jankowski Jakub
Published: December 2020

We review classical results on holographic entanglement entropy utilizing the Hamilton-Jacobi approach. Possibility of using the entanglement entropy as a probe of confinement is shortly discussed in the context of lattice data.
The special point on the hybrid star mass–radius diagram and its multi–messenger implications
Authors: Cierniak Mateusz , Blaschke David
Published: December 2020

We show the existence and investigate the location of the special point (SP) in which hybrid neutron star mass-radius (M-R) curves have to cross each other when they belong to a class of hybrid equation of state (EoS) constructed with generic constant–speed–of–sound (CSS) quark matter models for which the onset deconfinement is varied. We demonstrate that for a three-parameter CSS model the position of the SP in the M-R diagram is largely independent of the choice of the hadronic EoS, but in dependence on the stiffness of the quark matter EoS it spans a region that we identify. We find that the difference between the maximum mass and the SP mass depends on the mass at the onset of deconfinement so that an upper limit of 0.19 M⊙for this difference is obtained from which a lower limit on the radius of hybrid stars is deduced. Together with a lower limit on the radius of hadronic stars, derived from a class of reasonably soft hadronic EoS including hyperons, we identify a region in the M-R diagram which can be occupied only by hybrid stars. Accordingly, we suggest that a NICER radius measurement on the massive pulsar PSR J0740 + 6620 in the range of 8.6-11.9 km would indicate that this pulsar is a hybrid neutron star with deconfined quark matter in the inner core.
New symmetries, group-invariant solutions, linear differential constraints of a generalized Burgers-KdV equation and its reduction
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Zhang Yufeng
Published: December 2020

All we know that the Burgers-KdV equation is extensively used to study the liquid flow with bubbles and the liquid moving flow in the elastic pipes. In this paper, we obtain the Lie point symmetries, self-nonlinear adjointness of a generalized Burgers-KdV equation (GB-KdVE) are obtained, it follows that the conservation laws are worked out. As a reduction of the GB-KdVE, a Burgers equation with general coefficients is presented, whose new strong symmetry and new nonlocal symmetries are generated, respectively. Furthermore, the noninvariant solutions of the GB-KdVE are produced as well. Finally, we propose the double linear differential constraints for GB-KdVE-type so that some soliton solutions are singled out.
Recognizing Running Movement Changes with Quaternions on a Sports Watch
Authors: Seuter Matthias , Pollock Alexandra , Bauer Gernot , Kray Christian
Published: December 2020

Sports watches are popular amongst runners but limited in terms of sensor locations (i.e., one location at the wrist). Thus, apps on the watch cannot directly sense movement changes in arbitrary body locations. This, in turn, severely limits training support services, contextual awareness and seamless interaction mechanisms. Our approach addresses this gap and connects the watch with two strategically placed inertial measurement units (IMUs) via bluetooth low energy (BLE). Our prototypical app for Wear OS receives orientation (quaternion) data and matches the sensors to the arm or leg segments using a flexible and simple procedure. We collected data from eight runners and used support vector machines (SVMs) to recognize different movements. Findings from our evaluation with different parameters indicate feasible recognition and low false-positive rates for two to three different movements, for both placements. Our approach can thus help to improve applications that support training and thus contributes to developing motion capture for personal use; it also enables movement-based interaction while running.
Deriving Effective Human Activity Recognition Systems through Objective Task Complexity Assessment
Authors: Hiremath Shruthi K. , Plötz Thomas
Published: December 2020

Research in sensor based human activity recognition (HAR) has been a core concern of the mobile and ubiquitous computing community. Sophisticated systems have been developed with the main view on applications of HAR methods in research settings. This work addresses a related yet practically different problem that mainly focuses on users of HAR technology. We acknowledge that practitioners from outside the core HAR research community are motivated to employ HAR methods for practical deployments. Even though standard processing approaches exist, arguably, often times substantial modifications are necessary to derive effective analysis systems. It is not always clear a-priori how challenging a HAR task actually is and what dimensions of an analysis pipeline are crucial for successful automated assessments. In practice this can lead to disappointing results or disproportionate efforts that have to be invested into the optimization of data analysis pipelines, that were supposed to work "out of the box". We present a framework for the objective complexity assessment of HAR tasks that directly supports practitioners' decision making of whether and how to employ HAR for their deployments. We map a HAR task onto a vectorial representation that allows us to analyse the inherent challenges of the task and to draw conclusions through similarity analysis with regards to existing tasks. We validate our complexity assessment framework on 23 HAR datasets and derive a data-driven categorization of human activity recognition. We demonstrate how our objective analysis can be used to inform the deployment of HAR systems in practical scenarios.
Engineered Hierarchical CuO Nanoleaves Based Electrochemical Nonenzymatic Biosensor for Glucose Detection
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Khan Marya , Mishra Prabhash , Jahan Nushrat , Ahsan Md. Aquib , Ahmad Imran , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Watanabe Yosuke , Syed Mansoor Ali , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Khosla Ajit
Published: December 2020

In this study, we synthesized hierarchical CuO nanoleaves in large-quantity via the hydrothermal method. We employed different techniques to characterize the morphological, structural, optical properties of the as-prepared hierarchical CuO nanoleaves sample. An electrochemical based nonenzymatic glucose biosensor was fabricated using engineered hierarchical CuO nanoleaves. The electrochemical behavior of fabricated biosensor towards glucose was analyzed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry (i–t) techniques. Owing to the high electroactive surface area, hierarchical CuO nanoleaves based nonenzymatic biosensor electrode shows enhanced electrochemical catalytic behavior for glucose electro-oxidation in 100 mM sodium hydroxide (NaOH) electrolyte. The nonenzymatic biosensor displays a high sensitivity (1467.32 μA/(mM cm2)), linear range (0.005–5.89 mM), and detection limit of 12 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, biosensor displayed good selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability at room temperature over three-week storage period. Further, as-fabricated nonenzymatic glucose biosensors were employed for practical applications in human serum sample measurements. The obtained data were compared to the commercial biosensor, which demonstrates the practical usability of nonenzymatic glucose biosensors in real sample analysis.
Electrodeposition of Twinned Cu with Strong Texture Effect on Voiding Propensity in Electroplated Cu Solder Joints
Authors: Chiang Ping-Chen , Shen Yu-An , Feng Shien-Ping , Chen Chih-Ming
Published: December 2020

Electrodeposition of Cu receives considerable attention due to its wide application in microelectronic products. Sn-rich alloys are commonly used to join the electroplated Cu to form solder joints, while their interactions give rise to undesired Kirkendall voids. Suppression of voids is imperative to ensure reliable solder joints with mechanical robustness. In this study, twinned Cu with various crystal orientations are constructed using electroplating and their efficacy on void suppression are investigated. Four Cu electroplated films (Cu A, B, C, and D) with numerous twin boundaries and different (111) and (110) ratios are joined with Sn-rich solder (SAC305) and thermally aged at 200 °C. The voiding propensity is in an order of Cu D > Cu C > Cu B > Cu A, inversely corresponding to their (111) ratios (Cu A > Cu B > Cu C > Cu D). Particularly, a void-free solder joint constructed by the electroplated Cu A film with plenty of twinned bamboo structures is observed. The findings demonstrate that Σ3 twin boundary in the bamboo structure with 〈111〉-preferred orientation has much higher efficiency at suppressing the Kirkendall effect than that in 〈110〉-preferred Cu films.
Alkalized SnS Nanoflakes with Enhanced Sensing Properties towards Methanol Vapor
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Bai Chenxiang , Qiu Peilun
Published: December 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) group-Ⅳ monochalcogenides MX (M = Ge, Sn; X = S, Se) are isoelectronic and isostructural analogues to phosphorene. Due to superior oxidation resistance relative to black phosphorus, MX are recently explored to be potentialsubstitute of phosphorene for highly sensitive gas sensor applications. In this work, nanoflakes of tin monosulfide (SnS) was synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method and then employed for methanol-sensing at room temperature. The as-synthesized SnS shows nanoflower-like hierarchical architecture assembled by 2D nanoflakes. To achieve satisfactory gas response magnitude, a KOH alkalization process for post-treatment of the synthesized SnS was developed further. It is proved that appropriate alkalization could induce the ultrathin nanoflakes and introduce additional –O function terminals on the surface, which are favorable for methanol adsorption and response. The resultant alkalized SnS sensor displays a ∼3.2-fold enhancement in gas response to 5 ppm methanol. And it is capable of sensing rarefied methanol vapor as low as 100 ppb. The response enhancement could attribute to the alkalization-induced ultrathin geometry of SnS nanoflakes, introduction of lattice defects and –O functional terminals available for active adsorption of gas molecules. Further first-principles calculations clarify the crucial contribution and underlying mechanism of attached –O terminal on methanol adsorption and reaction clearly.
Blue Laser Diode-Based Remote Solid-State Lighting Using Plastic Optical Fiber and Phosphor Film for a Hazardous Environment
Authors: Ali Amjad , Tehseen Riffat , Mithilesh M K , Hassnain S. A. , Zhang Zejun , Zhang Chao , Mehdi Syed Raza , Mahmood Arfan , Xu Jing
Published: December 2020

In this study, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated the blue laser diode-based remote solid-state lighting using plastic optical fiber and phosphor film. The light-emitting part’s vicinity is free of electricity, which eliminates the risk of explosion and electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thus can find wide applications in hazardous or sensitive locations, such as gas plants and aircraft, to name a few. The color attributes of generated white light were studied by calculating correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE), and

D

u
v

.

The maximum CRI of 77.6 with a corresponding CCT of 4674 K has been achieved at 360 mA. By changing the bias current from 280 mA to 360 mA, the

D

u
v

of the generated light source is extremely small ranging from

−
0.00524

to

−
0.00678
,

which indicates that the obtained white light is perceived as neutral in appearance. The CIE chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of generated white light are very close to the Planckian locus. At 360 mA, CIE chromaticity coordinates (x, y) exhibit at (0.3528, 0.3443), which are very close to the standard neutral white light’s (0.333, 0.333). The proposed technique can be implemented in a hazardous environment.
Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors among Infants and Young Children Aged 6–23 Months in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Abebaw , Egata Gudina , Mesfin Firehiwot , Arega Mikyas , Getacher Lemma
Published: December 2020

Background. Anemia is a problem of both the developed and developing world, which occurs in all age groups of the population. Half of the anemia cases are due to iron deficiency and affects physical growth and mental development. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of information about anemia and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6–23 months. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study design was used among 531 mothers/caregivers-children pairs in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia, from February 1 to March 2, 2018. The cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Sociodemographic data were collected from mothers/caregivers using pretested structured questionnaires. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue analyzer machine (HemoCue® Hb 301, Ängelholm, Sweden). All relevant data were described using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, proportions, mean, and standard deviation. Odds ratio and 95% CI were estimated using binary logistic regression to measure the strength of the association between anemia and explanatory variables. The level of statistical significance was declared at

P
<
0.05

. Results. The overall prevalence of anemia was 47.5% (95% CI: 43.1–51.4%) of which 18.3% were mildly anemic, 25% were moderately anemic, and 4.1% were severely anemic. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, household food insecurity (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6–4.5), unmet minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.3), stunting (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3), and underweight (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4–5.4) positively associated with anemia while having ≥4 antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9) and met minimum meal frequency (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14–0.45) had a protective effect against anemia. Conclusion. Generally, the study showed that anemia was a severe public health problem among infants and young children in the study setting. Antenatal care visit, meal frequency, dietary diversity, underweight, stunting, and food insecurity significantly associated with anemia. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen infant and young child feeding practices and antenatal care utilization and ensure household food security, thereby improving the nutritional status of children.
Trends in Gender Authorship and Collaborations: A 30-Year Comparative Bibliometric Analysis of Manuscripts from The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and The Bone and Joint Journal
Authors: Squire Maria E. , Schultz Katherine , McDonald Donnell , Meixner Cory , Snyder Dayton , Cooke Alyssa M. , Davis Jacob C. , Maldonado Sarina Masso , Martinez Licha Carlos R. , Whipple Elizabeth C. , Kacena Melissa A. , Loder Randall T.
Published: December 2020

Publishing original peer-reviewed research is essential for advancement through all career stages. Fewer women than men hold senior-level positions in academic medicine and, therefore, examining publication trends relative to gender is important. The goal of this study was to examine and compare publication trends in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) and The Bone and Joint Journal (BJJ) with a particular emphasis on trends regarding author gender. Data was collected and analyzed for manuscripts published in JBJS and BJJ over the past 30 years. For manuscripts published in 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2016, we recorded the numbers of authors, manuscript pages, references, collaborating institutions, the position in the byline of the corresponding author, the country of the corresponding author, and the names of the first and corresponding author. We also calculated the normalized number of citations and corresponding author position. The number of authors, institutions, and countries collaborating on manuscripts published in both JBJS and BJJ increased over time. JBJS published more manuscripts from North America and BJJ published more manuscripts from Europe. In both journals, the percentage of women as first and/or corresponding author increased over time. Trends over the past 30 years have shown increased collaborations with greater citations in manuscripts published in JBJS and BJJ. In the same time period, both journals demonstrated a rise in the percentage of manuscripts with women first and/or corresponding authors, suggesting a decrease in the gender gap.
An Application of Classical Logic’s Laws in Formulas of Fuzzy Implications
Authors: Grammatikopoulos Dimitrios S. , Papadopoulos Basil K.
Published: December 2020

The crucial role that fuzzy implications play in many applicable areas was our motivation to revisit the topic of them. In this paper, we apply classical logic’s laws such as De Morgan’s laws and the classical law of double negation in known formulas of fuzzy implications. These applications lead to new families of fuzzy implications. Although a duality in properties of the preliminary and induced families is expected, we will prove that this does not hold, in general. Moreover, we will prove that it is not ensured that these applications lead us to fuzzy implications, in general, without restrictions. We generate and study three induced families, the so-called

D

′

-implications,

QL
′

-implications, and

R

′

-implications. Each family is the “closest” to its preliminary-“creator” family, and they both are simulating the same (or a similar) way of classical thinking.
Determination of Crizotinib in Mouse Tissues by LC-MS/MS and Its Application to a Tissue Distribution Study
Authors: Zhao Fang , Wei Yuan , Yan Yiming , Liu Han , Zhou Sitong , Ren Bo , Liu Ruijuan
Published: December 2020

Toxicity induced by crizotinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a significant clinical issue during treatment. A tissue distribution study is required to explore the organs affected by this molecule. In this study, a simple liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of crizotinib in various mouse tissues. Mouse tissue homogenates were processed by protein precipitation with methanol, and apatinib was chosen as the internal standard. The analytes were separated on a Phenomenex Kinetex C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) column with gradient elution using methanol and 0.3% formic acid water solution. Tandem mass spectrometric detection was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source in the positive mode. The monitored ion transitions were m/z 450.1 ⟶ 260.2 for crizotinib and m/z 398.2 ⟶ 212.0 for apatinib. The problem of the severe carryover effect was successfully resolved. The method was validated and applied to a tissue distribution study of crizotinib in mice, which was reported for the first time. The results of the study showed that the main target organs of crizotinib were the lung, liver, and spleen, and a high concentration of crizotinib was found in the gastrointestinal tract. This study offers a reliable method for quantifying crizotinib and provides a basis for further research on crizotinib toxicity.
Study on Hydrolysis of Magnesium Hydride by Interface Control
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Wang Ming , Guan Fenggang , Yu Rujun , Zhang Yuying , Qin Hongyun , Chen Xia , Fu Qiang , Wang Zeyao
Published: December 2020

Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is one of the competitive hydrogen storage materials on account of abundant reserves and high hydrogen content. The hydrolysis of MgH2 is an ideal and controllable chemical hydrogen generation process. However, the hydrolyzed product of MgH2 is a passivation layer on the surface of the magnesium hydride, which will make the reaction continuity worse and reduce the rate of hydrogen release. In this work, hydrogen generation is controllably achieved by regulating the change of the surface tension value in the hydrolysis, a variety of surfactants were systematically investigated for the effect of the hydrolysis of MgH2 In the meantime, the passivation layer of MgH2 was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the surface tension value of the solution with different surfactants were monitored, investing the mechanism of hydrolysis adding different surfactants. Results show that different surfactants have different effects on hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generation capacity from high to low is as follows: tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), Ecosol 507, octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC), sodium alcohol ether sulfate (AES), and fatty methyl ester sulfonate (FMES-70). When the ratio of MgH2 to TPABr was 5 : 1, the hydrogen generation was increased by 52% and 28.3%, respectively, at the time of 100 s and 300 s. When hydrolysis time exceeds 80 s, the hydrogen generation with AES and FMES-70 began to decrease; it was reduced by more than 20% at the time of 300 s. SEM reveals that surfactants can affect the crystalline arrangement of Mg(OH)2 and make the passivation layer three-dimensionally layered providing channels for H2O molecules to react with MgH2.
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of the Microcystic Keratitis
Authors: Dembski Michał , Nowińska Anna , Ulfik Klaudia , Teper Sławomir , Wylęgała Edward
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To describe the findings of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in a case of bilateral acute microcystic epitheliopathy after daily soft contact lens wear. Methods. IVCM and AS-OCT were used in the course of the bilateral epitheliopathy of a 23-year-old patient at the acute stage of the disease and at recovery after four days of treatment. The images were analyzed and compared. Results. On AS-OCT of the right eye, general hyperreflectivity and the increased thickness of the central corneal epithelium to 150 μm with numerous hyporeflective small, oval cysts were revealed and resolved completely at day 4 after diagnosis and treatment. AS-OCT scans of the left eye revealed oval shaped, hyperreflective material within the corneal epithelium. IVCM of both eyes showed numerous microcysts of different sizes filled with hyperreflective material mostly within superficial epithelial layers. Epithelial cells showed a polymorphism along with disruption of a cytoarchitecture. Basal epithelial cells and anterior stroma showed inflammatory changes. Posterior corneal stroma and endothelium presented normal morphology. Conclusions. Microcystic keratitis appeared as localized microcystic inflammation of epithelium on AS-OCT, which was confirmed by IVCM. Both IVCM and AS-OCT are helpful diagnostic instruments in case of cystic inflammation of corneal epithelium.