bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Hypercrosslinked Vinylbenzyl Chloride PolyHIPEs by Grafting via RAFT
Authors: Koler Amadeja , Krajnc Peter
Published: January 2021

Grafting of glycidyl methacrylate from the surface of macroporous poly(4‐vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐divinylbenzene) polyHIPEs (poly high internal phase emulsions) prepared by the polymerization of the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions is performed. PolyHIPEs are hypercrosslinked using Friedel–Crafts reaction thus increasing specific surface area, and further functionalized with tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine. To the free amino groups reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent 4‐cyano‐4‐[(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl) sulfanyl] pentanoic acid is immobilized and grafting is performed utilizing glycidyl methacrylate. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) chains of ≈100 units in length are grafted onto the surface of the polyHIPEs. In comparison, non‐hypercrosslinked monoliths allow for substantially lower degree of immobilization of RAFT agent suggesting decreased accessibility of active sites on the polymer surface.
Seven‐year efficacy and safety outcomes of Bulkamid for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Brosche Torsten , Kuhn Annette , Lobodasch Kurt , Sokol Eric R.
Published: January 2021

Aims

Bulking agents are a minimally invasive treatment option for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress‐predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term efficacy and safety following treatment with Bulkamid as a primary procedure for SUI or stress‐predominant MUI.

Methods

This was an Institutional Review Board‐approved single‐center retrospective study of female patients with SUI or stress‐predominant MUI who had undergone injection with Bulkamid since 2005 and had completed 7 years of follow up. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction measured on a four‐point scale as cured, improved, unchanged, or worse. Secondary outcomes included the number of incontinence pads used, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) scores, Visual Analog Scale Quality of Life (VAS QoL), reinjection rates, and perioperative and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 1,200 patients were treated with Bulkamid since 2005 and of these, 388 (32.3%) had completed 7 years of follow‐up. A total of 67.1% of the patients reported feeling cured or improved if Bulkamid was a primary procedure, 11.1% reported no change, and 2.3% reported worsening of incontinence. A total of 19.5% of patients received a subsequent other incontinence procedure. The ICIQ‐UI SF was reduced by 8.6 points. VAS QoL improved by a mean of 4.3 points. Postoperative complications were transient. Prolonged bladder emptying time was reported in 15.3% of patients and urinary tract infection in 3.5%.

Conclusions

Bulkamid injections are an effective and safe first‐line treatment option for women with SUI or stress‐predominant MUI providing durable outcomes at 7 years.
An effective elementary school counselor's support of students with disabilities: A case study
Authors: Vilbas Jessica A. , King‐Sears Margaret E.
Published: January 2021

Using a qualitative single‐case study design, perceptions from multiple stakeholders about how an effective elementary school counselor provides supports for students with disabilities (SWD) were examined. Interviews occurred with a school counselor, a student with a disability, his parent, his general and special educators, and school administrators. Findings are described using an ecological perspective and highlight the roles of an effective school counselor as well as the importance of interactions among the school counselor, parents, teachers, and administrators to support SWD. In addition, unique perspectives were shared by an elementary student with a disability. Implications for school counseling practices and programs are provided.
Antioxidant activities of major tryptophyllin L peptides: A joint investigation of Gaussian‐based 3D‐QSAR and radical scavenging experiments
Authors: Tran Thi Thanh Nha , Tran Dinh Phien , Nguyen Van Cuong , Tran Thi Dieu Thuan , Bui Thi Thu Thuy , Bowie John Hamilton
Published: January 2021

The red tree frog Litoria rubella from Australia has been studied for several decades showing that their dorsal skin glands secrete a number of small peptides containing a Pro–Trp sequence, known as tryptophyllin L peptides. Although peptides from many genera of Australian frogs have been reported to possess a variety of biological activities, the bioactivities of this peptide family have remained to be discovered. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potency of a number of tryptophyllin L peptides for the first time using a joint statistical and experimental approach in which predictions based on Gaussian three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) models were employed to guide an in vitro experimental investigation. Two tryptophyllin tripeptides P–W–L (OH) and P–W–L (NH2) were predicted to have the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values of 0.80 and 0.87 μM Trolox/μM peptide, respectively. With those promising results, antioxidant capabilities of five tryptophyllin L peptides with the common core Pro–Trp–Leu were synthesized and subjected to 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS˙+) radical scavenging assays. The tests indicated that all the tested tryptophyllin L peptides, noticeably S–P–W–L (OH) and F–P–W–L (NH2), are strong ABTS˙+ radical scavengers and moderate scavengers in the other two assays. The results, thus, suggested that the tryptophyllin L peptides are likely to be a part of the skin antioxidant system helping the frog to cope with drastic change in oxygen exposure and humidity, as they inhabit over a large area of Australia with a wide climate variation.
Forced Enhanced Atomic Refinement Modeling of the Metallic Glass Cu46Zr46Al8
Authors: Thapa Rajendra , Subedi Kashi Nath , Bhattarai Bishal , Drabold David A.
Published: January 2021

Herein, the structure of Cu46Zr46Al8 is inverted from X‐ray structure factor data and energy minimizations as implemented with forced enhanced atomic refinement (FEAR). The models generated are in good agreement with structural data obtained from diffraction experiment. Voronoi tessellation analysis shows reasonable agreement with previous results, and the models include structural units believed to have slow dynamics near glass transition and be responsible for the excellent glass forming ability of this metallic glass. It is shown, with constant temperature molecular dynamics (MD), that there is a significant increase in the fraction of these particular clusters near the glass transition. Space‐projected conductivity (SPC) calculations show that conduction through Zr dominates over Cu. Vibrational modes are strongly localized on a few Al atoms at high frequencies and distributed almost uniformly on Cu and Zr atoms at low frequencies.
Efficient Charge Separation in Polypyrrole/GaN‐Nanorod‐Based Hybrid Heterojunctions for High‐Performance Self‐Powered UV Photodetection
Authors: Pasupuleti Kedhareswara Sairam , Reddeppa Maddaka , Park Byung-Guon , Oh Jae-Eung , Kim Song-Gang , Kim Moon-Deock
Published: January 2021

The ozonosphere is infiltrated by UV‐A rays (λ = 320–400 nm) that reach the Earth's atmosphere, posing serious health problems such as premature aging and skin cancer. Owing to the importance of UV‐A ray detection, highly detective, novel, and high‐speed UV‐A photodetectors have recently attracted considerable attention. The integration of organic and inorganic hybrid structures yields highly attractive optoelectronic properties that make them attractive candidates for high‐performance self‐powered UV‐A photodetectors. Herein, the integration of conductive polypyrrole (Ppy) and GaN nanorods for high‐performance self‐powered UV‐A photodetectors is demonstrated. The device exhibits superior photoresponse properties such as detectivity, responsivity, and external quantum efficiency values as 5.0 × 1012 Jones, 102 A W−1, and 29.8 × 103%, respectively, at a power density of 1.32 mW cm−2 (λ = 382 nm) and zero bias, which are relatively higher than those of pristine GaN nanorods. Furthermore, the device exhibits good stability and reproducibility with fast rising (350 ms) and falling (410 ms) times. The high photoresponse is attributed to the large built‐in potential formed at the interface junction of the Ppy and the GaN nanorods. Furthermore, the mechanism behind the high photoresponse is investigated using an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and energy band theory.
Time‐varying reliability method based on linearized Nataf transform
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Wang Lixia , Wu Hongchao , Chu Hongyan , Yang Congbin , Liu Zhifeng
Published: January 2021

In actual engineering, material properties, load effects, and other factors of mechanical structures change due to long‐term use. In order to understand the operation of a mechanical structure in real time, it is crucial to obtain the dynamic trajectory of its reliability. Considering the time variability of a mechanical structure over time, uncertain random variables are introduced to express the uncertainty of various parameters of structures, and the Wiener process is used to describe the strength degradation process of structures so as to solve the calculation problem of time‐varying reliability of mechanical structures. Based on the advanced first‐order and second moment method (AFOSM), the proposed linearized Nataf change is used to complete the transformation from related nonnormal variables to independent standard normal variables in order to simplify the calculation process of reliability solution and solve the reliability calculation problem of random parameters subjected to arbitrary distribution. The deduced random variable sensitivity factor indicates the degree of influence of different random variables on the reliability of the mechanical structure, providing a theoretical basis for the optimal design and maintenance of a mechanical structure. The proposed method is analyzed using the cantilever beam and compared with the nonlinear Nataf transform and verified by the Monte Carlo simulation results. The results show that the proposed method can effectively solve the reliability sensitivity problem of structural system strength degradation.
Canopy density estimation in perennial horticulture crops using 3D spinning lidar SLAM
Authors: Lowe Thomas , Moghadam Peyman , Edwards Everard , Williams Jason
Published: January 2021

We propose a novel, canopy density estimation solution using a three‐dimensional (3D) ray cloud representation for perennial horticultural crops at the field scale. To attain high spatial and temporal fidelity in field conditions, we propose the application of continuous‐time 3D SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) to a spinning lidar payload (AgScan3D) mounted on a moving farm vehicle. The AgScan3D data are processed through a Continuous‐Time SLAM algorithm into a globally registered 3D ray cloud. The global ray cloud is a canonical data format (a digital twin) from which we can compare vineyard snapshots over multiple times within a season and across seasons. Then, the vineyard rows are automatically extracted from the ray cloud and a novel density calculation is performed to estimate the maximum likelihood canopy densities of the vineyard. This combination of digital twinning, together with the accurate extraction of canopy structure information, allows entire vineyards to be analyzed and compared, across the growing season and from year to year. The proposed method is evaluated both in simulation and field experiments. Field experiments were performed at four sites, which varied in vineyard structure and vine management, over two growing seasons and 64 data collection campaigns, resulting in a total traversal of 160 km, 42.4 scanned hectares of vines with a combined total of approximately 93,000 scanned vines. Our experiments show canopy density repeatability of 3.8% (relative root mean square error) per vineyard panel, for acquisition speeds of 5–6 km/h, and under half the standard deviation in estimated densities when compared with an industry standard gap‐fraction based solution. The code and field data sets are available at https://github.com/csiro-robotics/agscan3d.
An automated heterogeneous robotic system for radiation surveys: Design and field testing
Authors: Gabrlik Petr , Lazna Tomas , Jilek Tomas , Sladek Petr , Zalud Ludek
Published: January 2021

During missions involving radiation exposure, unmanned robotic platforms may embody a valuable tool, especially thanks to their capability of replacing human operators in certain tasks to eliminate the health risks associated with such an environment. Moreover, rapid development of the technology allows us to increase the automation rate, making the human operator generally less important within the entire process. This article presents a multirobotic system designed for highly automated radiation mapping and source localization. Our approach includes a three‐phase procedure comprising sequential deployment of two diverse platforms, namely, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), to perform aerial photogrammetry, aerial radiation mapping, and terrestrial radiation mapping. The central idea is to produce a sparse dose rate map of the entire study site via the UAS and, subsequently, to perform detailed UGV‐based mapping in limited radiation‐contaminated regions. To accomplish these tasks, we designed numerous methods and data processing algorithms to facilitate, for example, digital elevation model‐based terrain following for the UAS, automatic selection of the regions of interest, obstacle map‐based UGV trajectory planning, and source localization. The overall usability of the multirobotic system was demonstrated by means of a 1‐day, authentic experiment, namely, a fictitious car accident including the loss of several radiation sources. The ability of the system to localize radiation hotspots and individual sources has been verified.
Development and performance evaluation of a machine vision system and an integrated prototype for automated green shoot thinning in vineyards
Authors: Majeed Yaqoob , Karkee Manoj , Zhang Qin , Fu Longsheng , Whiting Matthew D.
Published: January 2021

Green shoot thinning in vineyards is an essential, perennial operation for maintaining canopy health and optimizing yield and quality of wine grapes. Use of mechanized thinning system, which is essential to reduce labor dependency and associated cost, causes high variability in shoot removal efficiency due to difficulty in precisely positioning the thinning end‐effector along cordon trajectories. Automated/robotic solution for precise positioning of the thinning end‐effector could significantly improve the performance and efficiency of mechanical green shoot thinning. This study presents: (i) a machine vision‐based cordon detection system that can estimate cordon trajectories at different shoot growth stages in a vineyard; and (ii) evaluation of an integrated green shoot thinning system capable of automatically positioning the thinning end‐effector following vine cordon trajectories. The developed machine vision system uses deep learning‐based techniques that could accurately estimate cordon trajectories with root mean square error (RMSE) of 7.3, 10.3, and 16.1 pixels for canopy images captured in 2–4 weeks of shoot growth, respectively. Then, a control strategy was presented for the integrated system, which receives the computed cordon trajectories from machine vision system to automatically position the thinning end‐effector to cordon trajectories. Field evaluations in a research vineyard showed that the integrated system can achieve an RMSE of 1.47 cm in following the cordon trajectories at 6.6 cm·s−1forward speed. Future work will incorporate additional sensing system to detect individual shoot on cordon and integrating it with an existing system to achieve higher level of precision in green shoot thinning.
A framework for stability‐based module detection in correlation graphs
Authors: Tian Mingmei , Blair Rachael Hageman , Mu Lina , Bonner Matthew , Browne Richard , Yu Han
Published: January 2021

Graphs can be used to represent the direct and indirect relationships between variables, and elucidate complex relationships and interdependencies. Detecting structure within a graph is a challenging problem. This problem is studied over a range of fields and is sometimes termed community detection, module detection, or graph partitioning. A popular class of algorithms for module detection relies on optimizing a function of modularity to identify the structure. In practice, graphs are often learned from the data, and thus prone to uncertainty. In these settings, the uncertainty of the network structure can become exaggerated by giving unreliable estimates of the module structure. In this work, we begin to address this challenge through the use of a nonparametric bootstrap approach to assessing the stability of module detection in a graph. Estimates of stability are presented at the level of the individual node, the inferred modules, and as an overall measure of performance for module detection in a given graph. Furthermore, bootstrap stability estimates are derived for complexity parameter selection that ultimately defines a graph from data in a way that optimizes stability. This approach is utilized in connection with correlation graphs but is generalizable to other graphs that are defined through the use of dissimilarity measures. We demonstrate our approach using a broad range of simulations and on a metabolomics dataset from the Beijing Olympics Air Pollution study. These approaches are implemented using bootcluster package that is available in the R programming language.
Estimating the marginal hazard ratio by simultaneously using a set of propensity score models: A multiply robust approach
Authors: Shu Di , Han Peisong , Wang Rui , Toh Sengwee
Published: January 2021

The inverse probability weighted Cox model is frequently used to estimate the marginal hazard ratio. Its validity requires a crucial condition that the propensity score model be correctly specified. To provide protection against misspecification of the propensity score model, we propose a weighted estimation method rooted in the empirical likelihood theory. The proposed estimator is multiply robust in that it is guaranteed to be consistent when a set of postulated propensity score models contains a correctly specified model. Our simulation studies demonstrate satisfactory finite sample performance of the proposed method in terms of consistency and efficiency. We apply the proposed method to compare the risk of postoperative hospitalization between sleeve gastrectomy and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass using data from a large medical claims and billing database. We further extend the development to multisite studies to enable each site to postulate multiple site‐specific propensity score models.
A green ultra‐fast liquid chromatographic method for quantification of curcumin in extract of Curcuma longa L. followed by confirmation via spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Ahmed Mahmood , Ahmad Saghir , Irfan Masooma
Published: January 2021

Curcumin is a principle component among the curcuminoids mixture that has diverse pharmacological properties against different phenotypes of various disease models. Present research aimed to extract (Soxhlet extractor), isolate (column chromatography), and identify (thin‐layer chromatography) the curcumin in roots and commercially available turmeric powder, and consequently its confirmation was done by spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. Subsequently, its quantification was done by ultrafast liquid chromatography using a green analytical methodology approach. Combination of ethanol and water in a ratio of 95:5 %v/v, was used as a green mobile phase, whereas the detection was set at 425 nm at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The overall run time per sample was 4.0 min with a retention time of 2.22 min, whereas calibration curve was linear from 10 to 60 μg/mL with a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.9988. The low values of %RSD (<2%) reflect the high precision of the method. Additionally, an assessment of the greenness of the proposed method was carried out using Eco‐scale (penalty points) and national environmental methods index labeling based on a blank or green quadrant of pictogram. The proposed liquid chromatography method showed priority over the reported methods in terms of greenness having Eco‐scale value of 93 and passed the four quadrants of greenness profile.
Performance‐based seismic design of the outrigger of a high‐rise overrun building with asymmetric vertical setback in a strong earthquake area
Authors: Huang Xin , Lv Yang , Chen Yu , Qi Lin , Zhu Xu‐dong , Hu Xue‐ying
Published: January 2021

Outriggers, which should be systematically analyzed and designed based on seismic performance methods in the different seismic level actions, can improve the lateral stiffness of irregular high‐rise structures. In this paper, a concrete‐filled steel frame‐core tube‐outrigger structural system is adopted for a practical overrun high‐rise building with an obviously asymmetrical vertical setback in a high‐intensity seismic region. To ensure the seismic safety of irregular high‐rise building structures, the members of the outrigger are designed based on the seismic performance analysis method, and the complex joint region and slab of the outrigger floor are also refined and analyzed. In addition, the effect of outrigger on the damage states of the structural and member is evaluated using the elastic–plastic analysis method in the rare earthquake action. Finally, the seismic mitigation efficiency of the high‐rise structure with the viscous dampers installed on the outrigger floor is analyzed. The results indicate that the member size of the outrigger should be determined based on the performance objectives of the moderate earthquake action rather than the frequent earthquake action. The shear force distribution ratio of the outer frame located at the outrigger floor is obviously amplified, which shows that the cooperative bearing ability of the outer frame and the core tube is improved because of the outrigger action. The stress in the complex joint region of the outrigger, which satisfies the material strength requirement, is analyzed by the refined finite element analysis method. The slab of the outrigger floor, which should be strengthened to effectively transfer larger horizontal seismic shear force, has obvious damage in the rare earthquake action. The region of the structure with an outrigger that experiences significant damage in the rare earthquake action is located at the outrigger floor and adjacent upper domains rather than the bottom domains, which is different from that of a structure without an outrigger. The internal force of the outrigger member can be reduced by considering viscous damper action, but the seismic mitigation efficiency is not significant because of the limited number of dampers.
Triptycene End‐Capping as Strategy in Materials Chemistry to Control Crystal Packing and Increase Solubility
Authors: Ueberricke Lucas , Mastalerz Michael
Published: January 2021

In materials chemistry of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) the kind of aggregation and the spatial arrangement of the π‐planes are of utmost importance, e. g. for charge transport properties. Unfortunately, controlling these during crystallization is not trivial. In the past decade, we have introduced one‐fold triptycene end‐capping of quinoxalinophenanthrophenazines (QPPs) and other related structures to overcome this problem. When two instead of one triptycene end‐caps are introduced, packing is largely suppressed, making typical PACs or pigments soluble in common organic solvents – which is another important property for such compounds to be processable from solution. In this account an overview of our research on using triptycene end‐capping as dual strategy is given.
Right‐sided congestive heart failure secondary to supraventricular tachycardia in a dog with a right atrial mass
Authors: Basili Mattia , Dukes‐McEwan Joanna
Published: January 2021

A dog was referred to the authors’ hospital for further investigations of pelvic limb collapsing episodes. Physical examination revealed a positive hepatojugular reflux, positive fluid thrill on abdominal palpation and an irregular heart rhythm (144 bpm) with pulse deficits. A six‐lead ECG showed focal atrial tachycardia. Doppler echocardiography revealed systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and the presence of a heterogeneous mass in the right atrium; this was confirmed by a CT study. Free abdominal fluid was detected, sampled and analysed: this was consistent with modified transudate secondary to right‐sided congestive heart failure. The dog responded well to heart failure and anti‐arrhythmic medications. He was presented eight weeks after development of respiratory signs (cough). Investigations revealed stable cardiac disease but several radiopaque nodules within the lung parenchyma compatible with metastatic disease. Ten weeks after presentation, the dog was euthanised due to worsening of the respiratory signs.
Cyclic response of insulated steel angle brackets used for cross-laminated timber connections
Authors: Kržan Meta , Azinović Boris
Published: January 2021

In cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings, in order to reduce the disturbing transmission of sound over the flanking parts, special insulation layers are used between the CLT walls and slabs, together with insulated angle-bracket connections. However, the influence of such CLT connections and insulation layers on the seismic resistance of CLT structures has not yet been studied. In this paper, experimental investigation on CLT panels installed on insulation bedding and fastened to the CLT floor using an innovative, insulated, steel angle bracket, are presented. The novelty of the investigated angle-bracket connection is, in addition to the sound insulation, its resistance to both shear as well as uplift forces as it is intended to be used instead of traditional angle brackets and hold-down connections to simplify the construction. Therefore, monotonic and cyclic tests on the CLT wall-to-floor connections were performed in shear and tensile/compressive load direction. Specimens with and without insulation under the angle bracket and between the CLT panels were studied and compared. Tests of insulated specimens have proved that the insulation has a marginal influence on the load-bearing capacity; however, it significantly influences the stiffness characteristics. In general, the experiments have shown that the connection could also be used for seismic resistant CLT structures, although some minor improvements should be made.
Contaminant characterization in wetland media surrounding a pulp mill industrial effluent treatment facility
Authors: Quanz Meaghan E. , Walker Tony R. , Oakes Ken , Willis Rob
Published: January 2021

Three media (sediment, surface water, and dragonfly larvae tissue) were collected from wetlands surrounding an industrial effluent treatment facility prior to closure. Samples were analyzed for metals, total mercury, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) concentrations. Sediment and surface water concentrations were compared to provincial and federal guidelines, as well as reference wetland concentrations. Exceedances of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc, and PCDD/PCDF guidelines were found in deeper areas of wetlands historically contaminated from effluent, as well as wetlands exposed to current effluent inputs. Composite Libellulidae samples were collected from wetlands, and comparisons were made to reference tissue concentrations + 20%. Elevated As, Cu and Pb tissue concentrations were measured at two site wetlands, but total mercury (THg) and PCDD/PCDF reference tissue concentrations were higher than wetlands near the effluent treatment facility. Spearman rho tests identified a significant correlation between sediment and tissue Pb concentrations and between surface water and sediment THg concentrations. Results suggest relatively low ecological risk to macroinvertebrates within wetlands near the effluent treatment facility from current effluent inputs, and highlight strengths and weaknesses of federal and provincial guidelines.
Screening of sleep apnea based on heart rate variability and long short-term memory
Authors: Iwasaki Ayako , Nakayama Chikao , Fujiwara Koichi , Sumi Yukiyoshi , Matsuo Masahiro , Kano Manabu , Kadotani Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a prevalent sleep disorder in which apnea and hypopnea occur frequently during sleep and result in increase of the risk of lifestyle-related disease development as well as daytime sleepiness. Although SAS is a common sleep disorder, most patients remain undiagnosed because the gold standard test polysomnography (PSG), is high-cost and unavailable in many hospitals. Thus, an SAS screening system that can be used easily at home is needed.

Methods

Apnea during sleep affects changes in the autonomic nervous function, which causes fluctuation of the heart rate. In this study, we propose a new SAS screening method that combines heart rate measurement and long short-term memory (LSTM) which is a type of recurrent neural network (RNN). We analyzed the data of intervals between adjacent R waves (R-R interval; RRI) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) records, and used an LSTM model whose inputs are the RRI data is trained to discriminate the respiratory condition during sleep.

Results

The application of the proposed method to clinical data showed that it distinguished between patients with moderate-to-severe SAS with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%, results which are superior to any other existing SAS screening methods.

Conclusion

Since the RRI data can be easily measured by means of wearable heart rate sensors, our method may prove to be useful as an SAS screening system at home.
An exceptional occurrence of deep-sea sponges in the region of former Larsen Ice Shelves, Antarctic Peninsula, with the description of two new species
Authors: Buskowiak Daniel , Janussen Dorte
Published: January 2021

Two new species of deep-sea sponges from the Weddell Sea are described. Both are new to science: a carnivorous Demospongiae species Abyssocladia antarctica sp. nov. and a Hexactinellida species Caulophacus leonieae sp. nov., the latter characterized by a new type of microscleres. Both were sampled at the former Larsen Ice Shelf region, Antarctic Peninsula, that was covered by ice until recent breakup events started in 1995. Abyssocladia Lévi, 1964 and Caulophacus Schulze, 1886 are well-known genera in the deep sea but were discovered here at only 200–300 m depths. The findings support the hypothesis that deep-sea and sub-shelf environments provide similar life conditions. These discoveries should urge us to further investigate areas of disintegrated Antarctic shelf ice as soon as possible, since new trophic conditions may have a severe impact on biodiversity and faunal composition.
A new deep-sea hot vent stalked barnacle from the Mariana Trough with notes on the feeding ecology of Vulcanolepas
Authors: Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Chen Chong , Chan Benny K. K.
Published: January 2021

A new species of deep-sea neolepadid stalked barnacle, Vulcanolepas verenaesp. nov., is described from Hafa Adai hydrothermal vent field in the Mariana back-arc basin, northwest Pacific. Vulcanolepas verenaesp. nov. is differentiated from other described species in the family morphologically by a mandible with a very small first tooth and small, non-protruding peduncular scales. Its gross external morphology exhibits a range of plasticity, similar to those previously reported from other neolepadid stalked barnacles. This is the first report of the genus Vulcanolepas in the northern hemisphere, and we discuss the phylogeography of Neolepadidae with a phylogenetic reconstruction based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. We also discuss the relationship between key morphological characteristics and the feeding habits in the family, showing that, a number of Vulcanolepas species including Vulcanolepas verenaesp. nov. are specialized in culturing filamentous bacteria on their cirri.
Optimization of steam explosion parameters for improved biotechnological use of wheat straw
Authors: Sulzenbacher Daniel , Atzmüller Denise , Hawe Felix , Richter Manuela , Cristobal-Sarramian Alvaro , Zwirzitz Alexander
Published: January 2021

Using lignocellulosic raw materials as substrate for biotechnological applications has been a focus of research during the last two decades. They contain sugars, which can be used in industrial fermentation processes, in from of polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose). Wheat straw, one representative of lignocellulosic materials, is sustainably and abundantly available, especially in Europe and North America. However, wheat straw, just like any other lignocellulosic material, needs to be pretreated in one way or the other in order to generate sufficient quantities of monosaccharides. One widely used pretreatment for lignocellulosic material is steam explosion combined with enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the effects of steam exploding wheat straw in combination with water are presented. By impregnation with water, saccharide yields from subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis increased from 18.8 to 22.6 g L−1 for glucose and 13.8 to 16.4 g L−1 for xylose, respectively. Moreover, the basic steam explosion parameters residence time and temperature were optimized in ranges from 5 to 20 min and 180–200 °C. This further optimization increased the maximum saccharide yield to 41.2 g L−1 for glucose (200 °C, 15 min) and 18.9 g L−1 for xylose (190 °C, 10 min). Finally, the growth of the intensively investigated biotechnological production host Yarrowia lipolytica on hydrolysates derived from different steam explosion parameters was evaluated. Y. lipolytica grew well in media containing up to 90% wheat straw hydrolysate as sole carbon source, demonstrating the potential as substrate for biotechnological processes.
A male with primary accessory breast carcinoma in an axilla is strongly suspected of having hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Takahashi Eriko , Terata Kaori , Nanjo Hiroshi , Ishiyama Koichi , Hiroshima Yuko , Yamaguchi Ayuko , Yatsuyanagi Misako , Kudo Chiaki , Wakita Akiyuki , Takashima Shinogu , Sato Yusuke , Imai Kazuhiro , Motoyama Satoru , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: January 2021

We herein report on a male with primary accessory breast cancer in an axilla. A 75-year-old man first noticed a subcutaneous nodule about 2 cm in diameter in the area of his right axilla. The patient underwent extirpation of the mass in a public hospital. Histological examination revealed invasive breast carcinoma of no special type associated with mucinous carcinoma, invasive micropapillary carcinoma and intraductal components. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor cells were positive for Gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP)-15, mammaglobin and GATA3. Staining for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) was positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was negative. The Ki67 labeling index (LI) was 33.6%. Imaging revealed no evidence of a primary tumor in any other organ or in the bilateral mammary gland. We performed radical resection of the right axilla, including the scar, and axillary lymph node dissection. The final pathological examination of the surgical specimen showed normal mammary gland tissue that was not connected to the proper mammary gland, and no residual cancer or metastatic lymph nodes. Based on our clinical and pathological findings, this tumor was diagnosed as breast cancer originating from the accessory mammary gland in the right axilla. After surgery, tamoxifen was administered as adjuvant therapy. Since the surgery, 2 years ago, there has been no evidence of recurrence. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome was suspected in this case because the patient was a male with breast cancer, and he had two first-degree relatives with breast cancer. This patient had no BRCA mutations on genetic testing. Nonetheless, in cases of male breast cancer, it is necessary to obtain genetic information due to the possibility of hereditary breast cancer, including cancers associated with BRCA gene mutation.
Assessing the interplay between travel patterns and SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in realistic urban setting
Authors: Patil Rohan , Dave Raviraj , Patel Harsh , Shah Viraj M. , Chakrabarti Deep , Bhatia Udit
Published: January 2021

Background

The dense social contact networks and high mobility in congested urban areas facilitate the rapid transmission of infectious diseases. Typical mechanistic epidemiological models are either based on uniform mixing with ad-hoc contact processes or need real-time or archived population mobility data to simulate the social networks. However, the rapid and global transmission of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to unprecedented lockdowns at global and regional scales, leaving the archived datasets to limited use.

Findings

While it is often hypothesized that population density is a significant driver in disease propagation, the disparate disease trajectories and infection rates exhibited by the different cities with comparable densities require a high-resolution description of the disease and its drivers. In this study, we explore the impact of creation of containment zones on travel patterns within the city. Further, we use a dynamical network-based infectious disease model to understand the key drivers of disease spread at sub-kilometer scales demonstrated in the city of Ahmedabad, India, which has been classified as a SARS-CoV-2 hotspot. We find that in addition to the contact network and population density, road connectivity patterns and ease of transit are strongly correlated with the rate of transmission of the disease. Given the limited access to real-time traffic data during lockdowns, we generate road connectivity networks using open-source imageries and travel patterns from open-source surveys and government reports. Within the proposed framework, we then analyze the relative merits of social distancing, enforced lockdowns, and enhanced testing and quarantining mitigating the disease spread.

Scope

Our results suggest that the declaration of micro-containment zones within the city with high road network density combined with enhanced testing can help in containing the outbreaks until clinical interventions become available.
Temporally-differentiated biogenic carbon accounting of wood building product life cycles
Authors: Head Marieke , Magnan Michael , Kurz Werner A. , Levasseur Annie , Beauregard Robert , Margni Manuele
Published: January 2021

Although standards have identified temporary carbon storage as an important element to consider in wood product LCAs, there has been no consensus on a methodology for its accounting. This work aims to improve the accounting of carbon storage and fluxes in long-life wood products in LCA. Biogenic carbon from harvested roundwood logs were tracked using the Carbon Budget Model Framework for Harvested Wood Products (CBMF-HWP). Carbon flows through wood product manufacturing, building life and end-of-life phases, and carbon stocks and fluxes from harvest to the atmosphere were estimated. To cover the products commonly used in the Canadian building industry, a range of softwood products types, provinces and territories and building lifetimes were considered. In addition, policy scenarios were considered in order to model the effects of dynamic parameters through time as a policy target is reached. Most wood products have similar emissions profiles, though cross-laminated timber has higher sawmill emissions and oriented-strand board has higher initial post-demolition emissions. The region of construction is also predictive of the initial post-demolition emissions. Higher recycling rates shift materials from landfills into subsequent product systems, thus avoiding landfill emissions. Landfill decay rates are affected by climate and results in a large range of landfill emissions. The degree of postponement of end-of-life emissions is highly dependent upon the wood product type, region and building lifespan parameters. This work develops biogenic carbon profiles that allows for modelling dynamic cradle-to-grave LCAs of Canadian wood products.
Comparison of self-tuned Neuro-Fuzzy controllers on 2 DOF helicopter: an application
Authors: Öztürk Muhammet , Özkol İbrahim
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new approach for Neuro-Fuzzy Controller (NFC) has been presented and compared to previously defined NFCs given in open literature. The proposed controller is based on an on-line Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and meticulous analysis through simulations is performed to show its robustness. The performance of Neuro-Fuzzy Controllers (NFC) depends on controller inputs. To show the difference and superiority of the proposed controller, many studies in the open literature are examined and compared. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of the Neuro-Fuzzy controller are outlined and an optimum Neuro-Fuzzy controller is structured and presented. To test our developed controller for a nonlinear problem, having coupling effects, a 2 DOF helicopter model is chosen. Also to show the robustness, the controller performance which is applied to a 2 DOF helicopter is investigated and compared with other Neuro-Fuzzy controller structures. To better show NFC performance, NFC control results were compared with LQR+I. It is observed that besides being on-line adaptive for all systems, the controller developed has many priorities such as noiseless, strong stability, and better response time.
A new segmentation method for non-ideal iris images using morphological reconstruction FCM based on improved DSA
Authors: Rapaka Satish , Rajesh Kumar P. , Katta Miranji , Lakshminarayana K. , Bhupesh Kumar N.
Published: January 2021

In any accurate iris recognition system segmentation of iris plays a vital role. The noise, specular reflections, eyelid/eyelash obstruction, and intensity inhomogeneities in an image make the segmentation more difficult. In this paper, a novel technique is proposed to segment the iris from images that are taken under uncooperative image conditions. The proposed method segments the image in two stages. Firstly, Morphological reconstruction fuzzy c-means clustering (MRFCM) based on an improved differential search algorithm is implemented before the segmentation step. The MRFCM can preserve image contours even in the presence of noise. Secondly, the iris is isolated from the undesired regions of an eye image by implementing geodesic active contours driven by a modified stopping criterion on the resultant images of the pre-segmentation step. The accuracy of the method presented has been tested on the databases such as CASIAv3-Interval, UBIRISv1, MMU1, IITDv1, and MICHE-I. The segmentation accuracy has been demonstrated and compared with other existing methods present in the literature. The obtained results are promising and the proposed model is outperformed the existing methods.
Capacitive behavior of functionalized activated carbon-based all-solid-state supercapacitor
Authors: Lee Kyu Seok , Seo Ye Ji , Jeong Hyeon Taek
Published: January 2021

In this report, we incorporate activated carbon (AC) onto aluminum substrate via doctor blade method to produce an all-solid-state supercapacitor. The electrochemical properties of the all-solid-state supercapacitor were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests also were carried out to exhibit stability of the AC-based supercapacitor. The impedance and charge/discharge curves of the all-solid-state supercapacitor showed good capacitive behavior after functionalized AC. The highest specific capacitance obtained for the AC-based supercapacitor was 106 F g−1. About 160% of specific capacitance increased after functionalization of the AC, which indicated that modification of the AC by nitric acid was able to introduce functional groups on the AC and improve its electrochemical performances.
The Suggestive Effect of Apo A, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B on Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Li Xiucheng , Li Dongjie
Published: January 2021

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is closely related to coronary heart disease (CHD). Apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B are known to be predictive factors for CHD. They are not yet a definite laboratory marker for the diagnosis of ED in cardiology. Therefore, we investigated the association between Apo A1, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B, and ED.

Aim

To investigate the association between Apo A, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B and the severity of ED.

Methods

A total of 152 ED patients and 39 healthy control participants underwent a fasting blood draw to test for Apo A, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B and a detailed laboratory examination. The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5) was used to determine the severity of ED. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the cutoff values for Apo A, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B. Each questionnaire was completed before any diagnosis was made or treatment performed.

Outcomes

Several lipid profile indicators (Apo A, Apo B, Apo A/Apo B, lipoprotein (a), free fatty acids, and total cholesterol) were studied, along with several questionnaires.

RESULTS

In our study, the number of patients with no ED, mild ED, mild-to-moderate ED, and moderate-to-severe ED were 39 (20.4%), 58 (30.4%), 36 (18.8%), and 58 (30.4%), respectively. Apo A and Apo A/Apo B were significantly reduced in patients with more severe ED (P = .037 and P < .001, respectively), while Apo B was significantly increased in patients with more severe ED (P = .002). According to the ROC curve, Apo A/Apo B had a medium diagnostic value for risk of ED with an AUC of 0.743 (95% CI: 0.68–0.80). For moderate-to-severe ED, 3 apolipoprotein indexes, including Apo B, Apo A, and Apo A/Apo B had medium diagnostic performance with AUCs of 0.759 (95% CI: 0.66–0.84), 0.703 (95% CI: 0.60–0.79), and 0.808 (95% CI: 0.72–0.88), respectively.

Clinical implications

Our results can inform cardiologists in the assessment of ED in patients with CHD.

Strengths and limitations

This study is the first to investigate the association between apolipoprotein and ED in China. The major limitations are that our sample size was too small to have matched controls without ED for different Apo levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that Apo B, Apo A, and Apo A/Apo B can be used as markers to evaluate the risk of ED and that these proteins play an important role in the etiology of ED.
More Than Just Zvejnieki: An Overview of Latvian Stone Age Burials
Authors: Macāne Aija , Nordqvist Kerkko
Published: January 2021

The well-known Zvejnieki cemetery, with 330 burials, is one of the largest hunter-gatherer cemeteries in northern Europe, overshadowing the more than 115 other Stone Age burials from over ten sites in Latvia. This article is a first overview of these other burials, summarizing their research history, characteristics, and assemblages. The authors discuss the problematic chronology of Latvian Stone Age burials and place them in a wider regional context. Most of the burials are hunter-gatherer burials, and a few are Corded Ware graves. This overview broadens our understanding of Latvian Stone Age burials and brings to light the diversity of hunter-fisher-gatherer mortuary practices in the eastern Baltic region.