bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiband and multifunctional polarization converter using an asymmetric metasurface
Authors: Pouyanfar Negin , Nourinia Javad , Ghobadi Changiz
Published: April 2021

A compact and asymmetric multi-band reflective polarization converter metasurface has been offered in this paper. The proposed simple converter can effectively convert an incident linearly polarized EM wave to its orthogonal counterpart and circular polarized waves (RHCP and LHCP) at two frequency bands. The design consists of a square with two curves on the top right and lower left corners and a square Split Ring Resonator (SRR) responsible for linear-to-linear and linear-to-circular polarization conversions, respectively. The simulated results show that the converter successfully transforms ay-polarized incident wave to its orthogonal counterpart in a frequency range of 15.5–16.5 GHz with unity conversion at 16 GHz and circularly-polarized (RHCP) wave at 13 GHz and (LHCP) at 18 GHz, verified through the fabricated and measured sample. Wide angular stability up to 60° oblique incidence along with high efficiency reveals the good applicability of the structure. Moreover, the root cause of the cross-polarization conversion has been analyzed and confirmed through Bi-Mode Foster equivalent circuit and surface current distribution as well. Finally, a fabricated prototype is tested to validate the simulated results through measurement.
Role in staging and prognostic value of pretherapeutic F-18 FDG PET/CT in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma without high-grade transformation
Authors: Park Yong-Jin , Hyun Seung Hyup , Moon Seung Hwan , Lee Kyung-Han , Min Byung Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Kim Won Seog , Kim Seok Jin , Choi Joon Young
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the role in staging and prognostic value of pretherapeutic fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma without high-grade transformation (HT). We retrospectively reviewed 115 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric MALT lymphoma without HT who underwent pretherapeutic F-18 FDG PET/CT. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors for disease free survival (DFS) among 13 clinical parameters and three PET parameters. In two of 115 patients (1.7%), the clinical stage appeared higher according to F-18 FDG PET/CT. In univariate analysis, Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (P = 0.023), treatment modality (P < 0.001), and stage including PET/CT (P = 0.015) were significant prognostic factors for DFS. In multivariate analysis, only treatment modality was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003). In conclusion, F-18 FDG PET/CT played an important role in enabling upstaging of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma without HT. F-18 FDG PET/CT may have a prognostic role in gastric MALT lymphoma without HT by contributing to better staging.
Associations between the dietary inflammatory index and urinary incontinence among women younger than 65 years
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Bian Haiyang , Qiu Shi , Cai Boyu , Jin Kun , Zheng Xiaonan , Li Jiakun , Tu Xiang , Ai Jianzhong , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and urinary incontinence (UI) among a representative sample of the US women. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of women younger than 65 years using the 1999 to 2016 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) populations. DII were calculated based on baseline dietary intake using 24-h dietary recalls. UI was determined and categorized by self-reported questions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between DII and UI. Stratified linear regression models were applied to test for interaction in prespecified subgroup of interest. A total of 13,441 women age between 20 and 65 years were included in the final analysis. Of these participants 3230 (24.03%) complained of urgency UI, 5276 (39.25%) complained of stress UI and 2028 (15.09%) complained of mixed UI. On multivariate analysis, analysis with DII categorized as quartiles revealed significantly increase odds of urgency UI in the most pro-inflammatory quartile compared to the most anti-inflammatory quartile (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.44, P = 0.004 for trend) in full adjustment model. Similar results were observed in SUI (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.30, P = 0.021 for trend) and MUI (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02−1.43, P = 0.022 for trend). More pro-inflammatory diets, as presented by higher DII scores are associated with an increased likelihood of UI in American women younger than 65 years. Further studies are needed to explore the possible physiological mechanism and evaluate the potential therapeutic implications.
Blood–brain barrier disruption and ventricular enlargement are the earliest neuropathological changes in rats with repeated sub-concussive impacts over 2 weeks
Authors: Hiles-Murison Bailey , Lavender Andrew P. , Hackett Mark J. , Armstrong Joshua J. , Nesbit Michael , Rawlings Samuel , McGonigle Terrence , Warnock Andrew , Lam Virginie , Mamo John C. L. , Fitzgerald Melinda , Takechi Ryu
Published: April 2021

Repeated sub-concussive impact (e.g. soccer ball heading), a significantly lighter form of mild traumatic brain injury, is increasingly suggested to cumulatively alter brain structure and compromise neurobehavioural function in the long-term. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby repeated long-term sub-concussion induces cerebral structural and neurobehavioural changes are currently unknown. Here, we utilised an established rat model to investigate the effects of repeated sub-concussion on size of lateral ventricles, cerebrovascular blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical distribution. Following repeated sub-concussion 3 days per week for 2 weeks, the rats showed significantly enlarged lateral ventricles compared with the rats receiving sham-only procedure. The sub-concussive rats also presented significant BBB dysfunction in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal formation, whilst neuromotor function assessed by beamwalk and rotarod tests were comparable to the sham rats. Immunofluorescent and spectroscopic microscopy analyses revealed no significant changes in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, lipid distribution or protein aggregation, within the hippocampus and cortex. These data collectively indicate that repeated sub-concussion for 2 weeks induce significant ventriculomegaly and BBB disruption, preceding neuromotor deficits.
Inducible knockout of Clec16a in mice results in sensory neurodegeneration
Authors: Hain Heather S. , Pandey Rahul , Bakay Marina , Strenkowski Bryan P. , Harrington Danielle , Romer Micah , Motley William W. , Li Jian , Lancaster Eunjoo , Roth Lindsay , Grinspan Judith B. , Scherer Steven S. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: April 2021

CLEC16A has been shown to play a role in autophagy/mitophagy processes. Additionally, genetic variants in CLEC16A have been implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. We generated an inducible whole-body knockout, Clec16aΔUBC mice, to investigate the loss of function of CLEC16A. The mice exhibited a neuronal phenotype including tremors and impaired gait that rapidly progressed to dystonic postures. Nerve conduction studies and pathological analysis revealed loss of sensory axons that are associated with this phenotype. Activated microglia and astrocytes were found in regions of the CNS. Several mitochondrial-related proteins were up- or down-regulated. Upregulation of interferon stimulated gene 15 (IGS15) were observed in neuronal tissues. CLEC16A expression inversely related to IGS15 expression. ISG15 may be the link between CLEC16A and downstream autoimmune, inflammatory processes. Our results demonstrate that a whole-body, inducible knockout of Clec16a in mice results in an inflammatory neurodegenerative phenotype resembling spinocerebellar ataxia.
Author Correction: Periostin Upregulates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Promote the Osteogenesis of CTLA4-Modified Human Bone Marrow-Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Fei , Luo Keyu , Rong Zhigang , Wang Zhengdong , Luo Fei , Zhang Zehua , Sun Dong , Dong Shiwu , Xu Jianzhong , Dai Fei
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Deep neural network analysis of nanoparticle ordering to identify defects in layered carbon materials
Authors: Boiko Daniil A. , Pentsak Evgeniy O. , Cherepanova Vera A. , Gordeev Evgeniy G. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: April 2021

Defectiveness of carbon material surface is a key issue for many applications. Pd-nanoparticle SEM imaging was used to highlight “hidden” defects and analyzed by neural networks to solve order/disorder classification and defect segmentation tasks.
Real-time continuous measurement of intraoperative trace exhaled propofol by planar differential mobility spectrometry
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang Dandan , Zhao Kun , Li Enyou , Liu Yiping , Chen Chuang , Wang Weiguo , Li Haiyang
Published: April 2021

In order to study anesthetic pharmacokinetics and adequately adjust the anaesthesia depth of patients, real-time measurement of the intraoperative exhaled propofol concentration is of significant importance for anaesthetists.
A nucleic acid nanogel dually bears siRNA and CpG motifs for synergistic tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Qiushuang , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhu Lijuan , Liu Xinlong , Yang Jiapei , Li Yuehua , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan
Published: April 2021

A dual siRNA- and CpG-containing nanogel is constructed through nucleic acid self-assembly, which can greatly activate the macrophages through CpG stimulation while maintain their M1 antitumor polarization by downregulating the STAT3 expression.
Aqueous TMAO solution under high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Kolling Inga , Hölzl Christoph , Imoto Sho , Alfarano Serena R. , Vondracek Hendrik , Knake Lukas , Sebastiani Federico , Novelli Fabio , Hoberg Claudius , Brubach Jean-Blaise , Roy Pascale , Forbert Harald , Schwaab Gerhard , Marx Dominik , Havenith Martina
Published: April 2021

Aqueous TMAO solution in a diamond anvil cell pressurized up to 12 kbar shows spectral shifts in its THz extinction due to TMAO compression, increased TMAO–water coordination and a better visibility of hydration water around the hydrophobic groups.
Rapid atmospheric carbon dioxide fixation by nickel(ii) complexes: meridionally coordinated diazepane-based 3N ligands facilitate fixation
Authors: Ajaykamal Tamilarasan , Sharma Mitu , Islam Nasreen S. , Palaniandavar Mallayan
Published: April 2021

In basic methanol solution, [Ni(3N)(H2O)3]2+1, where 3N is a meridionally coordinated ligand, absorbs atmospheric CO2 rapidly to produce 3, [Ni2(3N)2(μ-CO3)(H2O)2](ClO4)2. 3 catalyses the conversion of styrene epoxide into cyclic carbonate.
Synthesis, structural characterization, and bonding analysis of two-coordinate copper(i) and silver(i) complexes of pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine): new metal–pyrrole ring π-interactions
Authors: Jha Vikesh Kumar , Das Sanghamitra , Subramaniyan Vasudevan , Guchhait Tapas , Dakua Kishan Kumar , Mishra Sabyashachi , Mani Ganesan
Published: April 2021

Synthesis and structures of two-coordinate copper(i) and silver(i) complexes bearing the pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine) ligand with the new pyrrole ring π-interactions.
Annona muricataleaf extract attenuates hepatic lipogenesis and adipogenesis
Authors: Kim Goon-Tae , Cho Kyung-Hee , Sharma Amitesh , Devi Shivani , Park Tae-Sik
Published: April 2021

Annona muricata(graviola) is a medicinal plant that can be used to alleviate chronic human disease.
Digestion, fermentation, and pathogen anti-adhesive properties of the hMO-mimic di-fucosyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Verkhnyatskaya Stella A. , Kong Chunli , Klostermann Cynthia E. , Schols Henk A. , de Vos Paul , Walvoort Marthe T. C.
Published: April 2021

The novel hMO-mimic DFβCD shows promising characteristics to function as a decoy substrate against ETEC adhesion.
In situ formation of Hg2+-coordinated fluorescent nanoparticles through a supramolecular polymer network used for efficient Hg2+ sensing and separation
Authors: Li Ying-Jie , Lin Qi , Zhang Zheng-Hua , Wei Tai-Bao , Shi Bingbing , Yao Hong , Zhang You-Ming
Published: April 2021

We developed a novel strategy whereby Hg2+ induces a supramolecular polymer network to form fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) in situ. This strategy was successfully applied in efficiently sensing Hg2+ in living cells and separating Hg2+ from water.
Photoredox-neutral alkene aminoarylation for the synthesis of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines
Authors: Tu Jia-Lin , Tang Wan , Liu Feng
Published: April 2021

A mild and redox-neutral protocol is developed for the synthesis of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazinesviaphotoredox catalysis.
Resin-supported iridium complex for low-temperature vanillin hydrogenation using formic acid in water
Authors: Smith Christene A. , Brandi Francesco , Al-Naji Majd , Guterman Ryan
Published: April 2021

Solid-supported molecular catalysis for biorefinery. Hydrogenation using formic acid in water at low temperature.
Rational incorporation of defects within metal–organic frameworks generates highly active electrocatalytic sites
Authors: Heidary Nina , Chartrand Daniel , Guiet Amandine , Kornienko Nikolay
Published: April 2021

The allure of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in heterogeneous electrocatalysis is that catalytically active sites may be designed a priori with an unparalleled degree of control.
Effect of charge-transfer enhancement on the efficiency and rotary mechanism of an oxindole-based molecular motor
Authors: Pooler Daisy R. S. , Pierron Robin , Crespi Stefano , Costil Romain , Pfeifer Lukas , Léonard Jérémie , Olivucci Massimo , Feringa Ben L.
Published: April 2021

A novel oxindole-based light-driven molecular motor with pronounced push–pull character was investigated. The rotary mechanism stands in between the precessional motion of fluorene-based motors and the axial motion of biomimetic photoswitches.
Identification of extracellular nanoparticle subsets by nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Ullah Md Sharif , Zhivonitko Vladimir V. , Samoylenko Anatoliy , Zhyvolozhnyi Artem , Viitala Sirja , Kankaanpää Santeri , Komulainen Sanna , Schröder Leif , Vainio Seppo J. , Telkki Ville-Veikko
Published: April 2021

Diffusion and xenon NMR based methods to determine a very broad range of sizes and sub-sets of extracellular vesicles.
Revealing the effect of interfacial electron transfer in heterostructured Co9S8@NiFe LDH for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Feng Xueting , Jiao Qingze , Dai Zheng , Dang Yanliu , Suib Steven L. , Zhang Jiatao , Zhao Yun , Li Hansheng , Feng Caihong , Li Anran
Published: April 2021

The heterointerface between Co9S8 and NiFe LDH decreases Gibbs free energy for the rate-determining step of the OER, thus promoting catalytic activity.
A highly elastic polysiloxane-based polymer electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Fu Chengyin , Iacob Mihail , Sheima Yauhen , Battaglia Corsin , Duchêne Léo , Seidl Lukas , Opris Dorina M. , Remhof Arndt
Published: April 2021

An elastic electrolyte with a Tg = −51 °C, an ionic conductivity of 4.8 × 10−5 S cm−1, and a transference number of 0.53 showed a high initial capacity of 134 mA h g−1 and 75% capacity retention after 150 cycles at 0.1 mA cm−2 at 60 °C in a full cell.
Theranostics of atherosclerosis by the indole molecule-templated self-assembly of probucol nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Jun , Han Chuyi , Yang Zhangyou , Deng Tao , Zhao Yunfei , Zheng Tianye , Gan Xuelan , Yu Chao
Published: April 2021

A safe, facile and effective theranostic agent for atherosclerosis
A hierarchical scaffold with a highly pore-interconnective 3D printed PLGA/n-HA framework and an extracellular matrix like gelatin network filler for bone regeneration
Authors: Dou Yichen , Huang Jinhui , Xia Xue , Wei Jiawei , Zou Qin , Zuo Yi , Li Jidong , Li Yubao
Published: April 2021

The ideal scaffold for bone repair should have a hierarchical pore structure and gradient degradation performance to satisfy the uniform adhesion and proliferation of cells in the scaffold at the early stage of implantation, as well as providing space for the subsequent regeneration of bone tissue.
Controllable preparation of the Au–MoS2 nano-array composite: optical properties study and SERS application
Authors: Zhai Yingjiao , Yang Hui , Zhang Sinan , Li Jinhua , Shi Kaixi , Jin Fangjun
Published: April 2021

A kind of controllable material constructed with Au nano-disk array and monolayer MoS2 had been developed. The optical properties of the composite were studied and the Raman enhancement was obtained.
Is Phonological Awareness Related to Pitch, Rhythm, and Speech-in-Noise Discrimination in Young Children?
Authors: Eccles Renata , van der Linde Jeannie , le Roux Mia , Holloway Jenny , MacCutcheon Douglas , Ljung Robert , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Phonological awareness (PA) requires the complex integration of language, speech, and auditory processing abilities. Enhanced pitch and rhythm discrimination have been shown to improve PA and speech-in-noise (SiN) discrimination. The screening of pitch and rhythm discrimination, if nonlinguistic correlates of these abilities, could contribute to screening procedures prior to diagnostic assessment. This research aimed to determine the association of PA abilities with pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination in children aged 5–7 years old.

Method

Forty-one participants' pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination and PA abilities were evaluated. To control for confounding factors, including biological and environmental risk exposure and gender differences, typically developing male children from high socioeconomic statuses were selected. Pearson correlation was used to identify associations between variables, and stepwise regression analysis was used to identify possible predictors of PA.

Results

Correlations of medium strength were identified between PA and pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination. Pitch and diotic digit-in-noise discrimination formed the strongest regression model (adjustedR2= .4213,r= .649) for phoneme–grapheme correspondence.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates predictive relationships between the complex auditory discrimination skills of pitch, rhythm, and diotic digit-in-noise recognition and foundational phonemic awareness and phonic skills in young males from high socioeconomic statuses. Pitch, rhythm, and digit-in-noise discrimination measures hold potential as screening measures for delays in phonemic awareness and phonic difficulties and as components of stimulation programs.
The Implementation of a Personalized Dynamic Approach for the Management of Prolonged Concussion Symptoms
Authors: Wright Jim , Sohlberg McKay Moore
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This clinical focus article reviews the existing treatment literature on the management of prolonged concussion symptoms (PCS) for specifying treatment components that hold the most promise for effectively targeting functional goals that are disrupted due to cognitive impairments. Current evidence suggests the treatment ingredients of psychoeducation and cognitive strategy instruction can be effective for addressing changes in functioning due to perceived cognitive deficits in attention, working memory, and executive functioning. Based on the literature, we propose a personalized, dynamic approach to managing PCS that is tailored to the symptom profile of the individual client and consists of three phases,
treatment setup, implementation of treatment,
and
discharge plan,
in which the implementation phase consists of psychoeducation and strategy training. The unique aspect of this approach is the use of individualized status tracking measures on goal progress as well as strategy use and perceived strategy helpfulness to empirically guide treatment. Client performance directs clinical decisions, and the clinician adapts treatment components in order to facilitate functional change.

Conclusion

We provide a case example of an adolescent client treated in our university clinic to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed personalized and dynamic approach to PCS management.
Probing the temperature gradient in the core boundary layer of stars with gravito-inertial modes
Authors: Michielsen M. , Aerts C. , Bowman D. M.
Published: April 2021

Aims. We investigated the thermal and chemical structure in the near-core region of stars with a convective core by means of gravito-inertial modes. We determined the probing power of different asteroseismic observables and fitting methodologies. We focus on the case of the B-type star KIC 7760680, rotating at a quarter of its critical rotation velocity.

Methods. We computed grids of 1D stellar structure and evolution models for two different prescriptions of the temperature gradient and mixing profile in the near-core region. We determined which of these prescriptions is preferred according to the prograde dipole modes detected in 4 yr Kepler photometry of KIC 7760680. We considered different sets of asteroseismic observables and compared the outcomes of the regression problem for a χ2 and a Mahalanobis distance merit function, where the latter takes into account realistic uncertainties for the theoretical predictions and the former does not.

Results. Period spacings of modes with consecutive radial order offer a better diagnostic than mode periods or mode frequencies for asteroseismic modelling of stars revealing only high-order gravito-inertial modes. We find KIC 7760680 to reveal a radiative temperature gradient in models with convective boundary mixing, but less complex models without such mixing are statistically preferred for this rotating star, revealing extremely low vertical envelope mixing.

Conclusions. Our results strongly suggest the use of measured individual period spacing values for modes of consecutive radial order as an asteroseismic diagnostic for stellar modelling of B-type pulsators with gravito-inertial modes.
TOI-269 b: an eccentric sub-Neptune transiting a M2 dwarf revisited with ExTrA
Authors: Cointepas M. , Almenara J. M. , Bonfils X. , Bouchy F. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Murgas F. , Otegi J. F. , Wyttenbach A. , Anderson D. R. , Artigau É. , Canto Martins B. L. , Charbonneau D. , Collins K. A. , Collins K. I. , Correia J.-J. , Curaba S. , Delboulbé A. , Delfosse X. , Díaz R. F. , Dorn C. , Doyon R. , Feautrier P. , Figueira P. , Forveille T. , Gaisne G. , Gan T. , Gluck L. , Helled R. , Hellier C. , Jocou L. , Kern P. , Lafrasse S. , Law N. , Leão I. C. , Lovis C. , Magnard Y. , Mann A. W. , Maurel D. , de Medeiros J. R. , Melo C. , Moulin T. , Pepe F. , Rabou P. , Rochat S. , Rodriguez D. R. , Roux A. , Santos N. C. , Ségransan D. , Stadler E. , Ting E. B. , Twicken J. D. , Udry S. , Waalkes W. C. , West R. G. , Wünsche A. , Ziegler C. , Ricker G. , Vanderspek R. , Latham D. W. , Seager S. , Winn J. , Jenkins J. M.
Published: April 2021

We present the confirmation of a new sub-Neptune close to the transition between super-Earths and sub-Neptunes transiting the M2 dwarf TOI-269 (TIC 220 479 565, V = 14.4 mag, J = 10.9 mag, R⋆ = 0.40 R⊙, M⋆ = 0.39 M⊙, d = 57 pc). The exoplanet candidate has been identified in multiple TESS sectors, and validated with high-precision spectroscopy from HARPS and ground-based photometric follow-up from ExTrA and LCO-CTIO. We determined mass, radius, and bulk density of the exoplanet by jointly modeling both photometry and radial velocities with juliet. The transiting exoplanet has an orbital period of P = 3.6977104 ± 0.0000037 days, a radius of 2.77 ± 0.12 R⊕, and a mass of 8.8 ± 1.4 M⊕. Since TOI-269 b lies among the best targets of its category for atmospheric characterization, it would be interesting to probe the atmosphere of this exoplanet with transmission spectroscopy in order to compare it to other sub-Neptunes. With an eccentricity e = 0.425−0.086+0.082, TOI-269 b has one of the highest eccentricities of the exoplanets with periods less than 10 days. The star being likely a few Gyr old, this system does not appear to be dynamically young. We surmise TOI-269 b may have acquired its high eccentricity as it migrated inward through planet-planet interactions.
Age and helium content of the open cluster NGC 6791 from multiple eclipsing binary members
Authors: Brogaard K. , Grundahl F. , Sandquist E. L. , Slumstrup D. , Jensen M. L. , Thomsen J. B. , Jørgensen J. H. , Larsen J. R. , Bjørn S. T. , Sørensen C. T. G. , Bruntt H. , Arentoft T. , Frandsen S. , Jessen-Hansen J. , Orosz J. A. , Mathieu R. , Geller A. , Ryde N. , Stello D. , Meibom S. , Platais I.
Published: April 2021

Context. Models of stellar structure and evolution can be constrained using accurate measurements of the parameters of eclipsing binary members of open clusters. Multiple binary stars provide the means to tighten the constraints and, in turn, to improve the precision and accuracy of the age estimate of the host cluster. In the previous two papers of this series, we have demonstrated the use of measurements of multiple eclipsing binaries in the old open cluster NGC 6791 to set tighter constraints on the properties of stellar models than was previously possible, thereby improving both the accuracy and precision of the cluster age.

Aims. We identify and measure the properties of a non-eclipsing cluster member, V56, in NGC 6791 and demonstrate how this provides additional model constraints that support and strengthen our previous findings.

Methods. We analyse multi-epoch spectra of V56 from FLAMES in conjunction with the existing photometry and measurements of eclipsing binaries in NGC6971.

Results. The parameters of the V56 components are found to be Mp = 1.103 ± 0.008 M⊙ and Ms = 0.974 ± 0.007 M⊙, Rp = 1.764 ± 0.099 R⊙ and Rs = 1.045 ± 0.057 R⊙, Teff,p = 5447 ± 125 K and Teff,s = 5552 ± 125 K, and surface [Fe/H] = +0.29 ± 0.06 assuming that they have the same abundance.

Conclusions. The derived properties strengthen our previous best estimate of the cluster age of 8.3 ± 0.3 Gyr and the mass of stars on the lower red giant branch (RGB), which is MRGB = 1.15 ± 0.02 M⊙ for NGC 6791. These numbers therefore continue to serve as verification points for other methods of age and mass measures, such as asteroseismology.
A diffuse tidal dwarf galaxy destined to fade out as a “dark galaxy”
Authors: Román Javier , Jones Michael G. , Montes Mireia , Verdes-Montenegro Lourdes , Garrido Julián , Sánchez Susana
Published: April 2021

We have explored the properties of a peculiar object detected in deep optical imaging and located at the tip of an H Itail emerging from Hickson Compact Group 16. Using multiband photometry from infrared to ultraviolet, we were able to constrain its stellar age to 58−9+22Myr with a rather high metallicity of [Fe/H] = −0.16−0.41+0.43for its stellar mass ofM⋆= 4.2 × 106 M⊙, a typical signature of tidal dwarf galaxies. The structural properties of this object are similar to those of diffuse galaxies, with a round and featureless morphology, a large effective radius (reff= 1.5 kpc), and a low surface brightness (⟨μg⟩eff= 25.6 mag arcsec−2). Assuming that the object is dynamically stable and able to survive in the future, its fading in time via the aging of its stellar component will make it undetectable in optical observations in just ∼2 Gyr of evolution, even in the deepest current or future optical surveys. Its high H Imass,M(HI) = 3.9 × 108M⊙, and future undetectable stellar component will make the object match the observational properties of dark galaxies, that is, dark matter halos that failed to turn gas into stars. Our work presents further observational evidence of the feasibility of H Itidal features becoming fake dark galaxies; it also shows the impact of stellar fading, particularly in high metallicity systems such as tidal dwarfs, in hiding aged stellar components beyond detection limits in optical observations.
Synbiotic containingKappaphycus alvarezii, Spirulinasp.andHalomonas alkaliphilaimproves survival, growth and vibriosis resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) post-larval culture
Authors: Situmorang Magdalena Lenny , Nurwidayanti Puri , Suantika Gede
Published: April 2021

The high losses in shrimp production due to mortality caused byVibrioopportunistic pathogens still constitute a significant challenge in the shrimp industry. Synbiotic feed supplementation appears to be a promising control strategy to maintain healthy shrimp stock. In this study, the effects of synbiotic-containing prebiotic seaweedsKappaphycus alvareziiandSpirulinasp. as well as probioticHalomonas alkaliphilawere evaluated on the survival, growth, and vibriosis ofLitopenaeus vannameiduring the post-larval stage. Five different feeds were tested: commercial feed, prebioticsK. alvareziiandSpirulinasp.-supplemented feed, and synbiotic-supplemented feed usingK. alvarezii, Spirulinasp. and probioticH. alkaliphilawith different concentrations of 108, 109, and 1010CFU.kg−1. Following 14 days after the feeding test, the highest shrimp survival (91.46 ± 0.05%) was obtained in the treatment group fed with synbiotic-supplemented feed containing 0.375%K. alvarezii, 0.125%Spirulinasp., andH. alkaliphilaat 109CFU.kg−1(p< 0.05). A 7-day challenge test against opportunistic bacteriaVibrio harveyiiwas then performed using three treatment groups: (1) synbiotic, containing 0.375%K. alvarezii, 0.125%Spirulinasp., andH. alkaliphilaat 109CFU.kg−1; (2) prebiotic, with 0.375%K. alvarezii, 0.125%Spirulinasp.; and (3) control, using commercial feed. The highest shrimp survival of (79.9 ± 0.05%) was found in the synbiotic treatment group, followed by the prebiotic and control treatment groups (p< 0.05). Overall results suggested that synbiotic-supplemented feed containing 0.375%K. alvarezii, 0.125%Spirulinasp., andH. alkaliphilaat 109CFU.kg−1significantly improved shrimp survival even when challenged withV. harveyii. Thus, this synbiotic can be potentially applied as an alternative biocontrol strategy against vibriosis in intensive shrimp post-larval culture.
Is Valgus Cut Angle Based on Radiographic Measurements in Total Knee Arthroplasty Really Inaccurate? A Comparison of Two- and Three-Dimensional Measurements
Authors: Liu LiMing , Lei Kai , Chen Xin , Fan HuaQuan , Yang Liu , Guo Lin
Published: April 2021

Radiographs are widely used to measure distal femoral valgus cut angle (VCA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but its accuracy is controversial. This study used three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models to verify the accuracy of VCA measurements on radiographs, and explore the correlation of VCA with hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle and lateral femoral bowing angle (FBA). A total of 444 osteoarthritis knees of 444 patients from August 2016 to June 2018 was included retrospectively. On radiographs, two-dimensional VCA (VCA-2D) was measured between the femoral mechanical axis and the distal femoral anatomical axis, and HKA was measured between the femoral mechanical axis and the tibial mechanical axis. On the coronal projection of computed tomography 3D models, the anatomical landmarks used for VCA-3D measurements were the same as those on the radiographs, FBA was measured between the proximal and distal femoral anatomical axis. The distributions of VCA-2D and VCA-3D were evaluated by means and variances. The correlation between HKA and VCA and between FBA and VCA was explored. There was a statistical difference between VCA-2D and VCA-3D (p < 0.001), but the deviation was very small (0.15 ± 0.69 degrees), 83.3% of the deviations were less than 1 degree. VCA would increase both in 2D and 3D with increasing of FBA and HKA varus. There was no statistically significant difference between VCA-2D and VCA-3D in patients with moderate varus knees (0–8 degrees of varus) and mild bowing femurs (FBA <5 degrees). Overall, the deviation caused by using radiography to measure VCA was negligible. VCA measurements using radiographs were accurate in patients with moderate varus knees and mildly bowed femurs. This study reflects level of evidence III.
A Cadaveric Anatomical Study of the Relationship between Proximal Tibial Slope and Coronal Plane Deformity
Authors: Foos Julia , Amakoutou Kouami , Cooperman Daniel R. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: April 2021

Medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) are commonly used to characterize the geometry of proximal tibia and are important considerations in lower extremity realignment procedures and total knee arthroplasty. This study utilized a large cadaveric collection to explore relationships between tibial slope and coronal plane deformity of the tibia. We utilized 462 well-preserved skeletons (924 tibiae), excluding any with fracture or obvious rheumatologic or infectious findings. Custom cards were made with different sized arcs on the bottom surface, so that they could rest on the anterior and posterior aspects of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus of each bone to measure PPTA. Previously measured MPTA values for the same bones were also utilized. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine relationship between MPTA and medial and lateral PPTAs. The mean age was 56 ± 10 years, with 13% female and 31% African American (remainder Caucasian). The mean MPTA was 87.2 ± 2.4 degrees. The mean medial plateau PPTA was 81.5 ± 3.8 degrees and mean lateral plateau PPTA was 81.3 ± 3.7 degrees. Regression analysis found that MPTA was significantly associated with both medial and lateral PPTAs (standardized betas 0.197 and 0.146, respectively, p < 0.0005 for both). There was a significant correlation between lateral and medial PPTAs (r = 0.435, p = 0.03). The clinical significance of these findings warrants further investigation and emphasizes the importance of carefully assessing the sagittal plane when planning reconstruction of a tibia with varus or valgus deformity, particularly high tibial osteotomies.
MyEDCare: Evaluation of a Smartphone-Based Emergency Department Discharge Process
Authors: Steel Peter A. D. , Bodnar David , Bonito Maryellen , Torres-Lavoro Jane , Eid Dona Bou , Jacobowitz Andrew , Shemesh Amos , Tanouye Robert , Rumble Patrick , DiCello Daniel , Sharma Rahul , Farmer Brenna , Pomerantz Sandra , Zhang Yiye
Published: April 2021

Background Poor comprehension and low compliance with post-ED (emergency department) care plans increase the risk of unscheduled ED return visits and adverse outcomes. Despite the growth of personal health records to support transitions of care, technological innovation's focus on the ED discharge process has been limited. Recent literature suggests that digital communication incorporated into post-ED care can improve patient satisfaction and care quality.

Objectives We evaluated the feasibility of utilizing MyEDCare, a text message and smartphone-based electronic ED discharge process at two urban EDs.

Methods MyEDCare sends text messages to patients' smartphones at the time of discharge, containing a hyperlink to a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant website, to deliver patient-specific ED discharge instructions. Content includes information on therapeutics, new medications, outpatient care scheduling, return precautions, as well as results of laboratory and radiological diagnostic testing performed in the ED. Three text messages are sent to patients: at the time of ED discharge with the nurse assistance for initial access of content, as well as 2 and 29 days after ED discharge. MyEDCare was piloted in a 9-month pilot period in 2019 at two urban EDs in an academic medical center. We evaluated ED return visits, ED staff satisfaction, and patient satisfaction using ED Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (ED-CAHPS) patient satisfaction scores.

Results MyEDCare enrolled 27,713 patients discharged from the two EDs, accounting for 43% of treat-and-release ED patients. Of the treat-and-release patients, 27% completed MyEDCare discharge process, accessing the online content at the time of ED discharge. Patients discharged via MyEDCare had fewer 72-hour, 9-day, and 30-day unscheduled return ED visits and reported higher satisfaction related to nursing care.

Conclusion EDs and urgent care facilities may consider developing a HIPAA-compliant, text message, and smartphone-based discharge process, including the transmission of test results, to improve patient-centered outcomes.
Effect of additive fermented residues from factory on rumen fermentation and microbial population in beef cattle
Authors: Pongjongmit Tanitpan , Norrapoke Thitima
Published: April 2021

Context Suboptimal beef production resulting from poor growth performance of the animals in Thailand may be due to insufficient energy and protein in the animal feed. Therefore, there is a need to find new, locally available and economical nutrient-rich feed resources. By-products from the agri-industry could be one such alternative to improve livestock feed quality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial population of additive fermented cassava pulp with residues from noodle factory (CN). Four beef cattle at ~2–3 years of age were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Four feed treatments had cassava pulp:residue ratios of 0:0 (NCN), 70:30 (CN1), 60:40 (CN2), 50:50 (CN3). In conclusion, feeding with CN at 60:40 might be an alternative to improve rumen fermentation efficiency, estimated energy, apparent digestibility and bacteria population. Aims The aim of the present study was to determine feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial population of cattle fed additive fermented cassava pulp with residues from noodle factory (CN). Methods Four beef cattle of ~2–3 years of age and of initial bodyweight of 150 ± 40 kg were randomly assigned to the following four treatments, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design: cassava pulp:residue at ratios of 0:0 (NCN), 70:30 (CN1), 60:40 (CN2) and 50:50 (CN3) was added. All animals were fed concentrated 16% crude protein and cassava pulp–residue at 1% of bodyweight of animals. Rice straw, water and mineral salt block were offered ad libitum. Key results Feed intake and bodyweight change were not affected, while estimated energy intake and nutrient digestibilities increased (P < 0.05) after animals were fed CN2 and CN3. Ruminal pH, ruminal temperature, ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen were not altered by CN, whereas total volatile fatty acids and the proportion of propionate increased with an increasing proportion of residues from noodle factory (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, methane production was reduced by CN. In addition, bacterial population and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis were increased (P < 0.05) by CN. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the populations of total bacterial and F. succinogenes increased (P < 0.05), whereas populations of protozoa, R. flavefaciens and R. albus were not significantly different among the treatments. Conclusions It is concluded that feeding with CN can improve rumen fermentation efficiency, estimated energy, apparent digestibility and bacterial population. Feeding with CN2 is recommended because it showed the best response Implications Agri-industry by-products such as cassava pulp and residues from noodle factory can provide an economical alternative to improve feed quality and, hence, beef animal performace in Thailand.
Fractional approach for analysis of the model describing wind-influenced projectile motion
Authors: Veeresha P , Ilhan Esin , Baskonus Haci Mehmet
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we find the solution for coupled equations describing the projectile motion with wind-influence using

q

-homotopy analysis transform method (

q

-HATM). The projectedmethod is elegant amalgamations of

q

-homotopy analysis scheme and Laplace transform, and fractional derivativedefined withCaputo-Fabrizio (CF) operator. Moreover, the physical natures of the obtained results have been captured in terms of plots for diverse mass, external force and fractional order. The achievedconsequences elucidate that, the hiredsolution procedure is easy to implement, highly methodical as well as accurate to analyse the behaviour of system of nonlinear differential equations of both integer and fractional order describing connected areas of science and engineering.
Design of photonic crystal fiber for long-distance transmission of orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Liang Ruoyu , Xu Zhiniu , Zhao Haiying
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a new photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for long-distance transmission of orbital angular momentum (OAM) is proposed. The rectangular air holes are distributed in the cladding and a circular air hole is distributed in the core. The designed PCF can support 88 OAM modes over S + C + L + U wavelength band. The characteristics of the PCF are analyzed by using the finite element method systematically. The results show that the nonlinear coefficient is lower than 2.8 km−1·W−1 over S + C + L + U wavelength band, and the minimum value is as low as 0.9 km−1·W−1. The confinement loss of each mode is between 10−17–10−10 dB·m−1, and the stable transmission distance of the OAM modes is up to 60 km. Additionally, the effective mode filed area and dispersion of the PCF are also analyzed. In general, the PCF can be used in modular division multiplexing which can effectively improve the capacity and transmission distance of communication system.
An overview on Lithium-ion batteries recycling processes
Authors: Hu Qiushi , Xu Linghong
Published: April 2021

In the last few decades, well-developed lithium-ion batteries (LIB) with high capacity showed great performance in electric vehicles. However, efforts must be made in the field of LIB recycling to reduce the negative effects caused by spent LIB on the environment. The processes for lithium-ion batteries recycling are presented through three different portions includeing pre-treatment, secondary treatment and further treatment. In pre-treatment, the LIB is firstly discharged and disassembled manually. Secondly, the unit cells are shattered and separated into black mass mainly by physical properties through secondary treatment. Lastly, the black mass is decomposed into raw materials for recovery or resynthesizing in further treatment. Interdisciplinary approaches and secondary use feasibility are also discussed for future application prospect.
Control over the Morphology and Plasmonic Properties of Rod-like Au-Pd Bimetallic Nanostructures
Authors: Deng Tian-Song , Zhang Qi , Wei Ming-Zhang , Gu Yi-Jie , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: April 2021

Bimetallic nanostructures are interesting materials for many applications ranging from plasmonics to catalysis. However, synthesizing bimetallic nanorods with good control over composition, morphology and maintaining an anisotropic shape is challenging. Here, we have shown a reproducible approach to the synthesize the bimetallic core-shell nanorods within a stabilizing mesoporous silica shell and with an Au core and a Pd metal shell with excellent control over their properties. Specifically, we demonstrate that the thickness and morphology of the Pd metal shell (rough/smooth) can be precisely tuned and studied the plasmonic properties of the resulting bimetallic nanostructures in detail. Our approach can be naturally extended to different or more than two metals leading to rod-shaped metal particles with highly tunable materials properties that are of interest in their use in optical and catalytic applications.
Effect of ZnO on dielectric properties of Li-Al-Si photoetchable glasses as an interposer
Authors: Liang Tianpeng , Zhang Jihua
Published: April 2021

In current three-dimensional (3D) radio frequency (RF) package field, the silicon interposer can’t entirely meet the needs of the package because of its non-negligible dielectric loss. Similarly, the application of through Glass vias (TGV) has restriction for the same reason. Therefore, this paper focuses on reducing dielectric loss of photoetchable glass (PEG), as well as the performance of TGV technology of PEG for packaging. The PEG was reduced in the dielectric loss by the addition of ZnO. The reduction in dielectric loss is due to changes in structure. The structure of PEG was analyzed through the XRD and the Raman spectroscopy. The dielectric performance was verified by the Impedance Analyzer. The result indicated dielectric loss obviously decreased to 0.0035 by ZnO doped and the reason primarily attributed to the decrease number of the Non-Oxygen-Bridge in the glass network and the structure is more stable. Through thermal processes and etching, the average diameter obtained around 75μm by TGV, and the aperture ratio of up to 25: 1, TGV density can reach 10000 / cm2.
Microstructure and Wear Resistance of WS2/W Composite Coating on TC4 Titanium Alloy Surface
Authors: Huang Junqi , Ma Jie , Wu Long , Wei Jianzhong , Li Hongyi
Published: April 2021

In order to achieve the demand for improving the wear resistance of titanium alloy surfaces, a combination of magnetron sputtering (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and thermal vulcanization methods is used to prepare highly wear-resistant WS2/W Composite coating on the surface of TC4 titanium alloy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to characterize the micro-morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of the composite coating. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the composite coating were tested. The results show that the thickness of each layer of the WS2/W composite coating prepared by the experiment is about 16μm and 60μm respectively, the coating structure is dense, and the interface between the layers is obvious. The average micro-hardness of WS2 layer and W layer are 110.4HV and 740.1HV respectively. The surface friction factor of WS2/W composite coating is 0.15, which is about 18% of the matrix (0.85). The wear rate is 1.184 × 10-6mm3·mm-1, which is about 45% of the substrate (1.628 × 10-6mm3·mm-1), which has better wear resistance and anti-friction characteristics.
Improved grey correlation theory to quantitatively characterize the effect of pore parameters on compressive strength of cement Pisha sandstone
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Yu , Jing Yu , Wu Yue , Lv Xin , Wang Qiang , Geng Kaiqiang
Published: April 2021

In order to objectively characterize the correlation degree of the influence of different pore parameters of cement solidified soft rock on compressive strength. The initial data of pore parameters and compressive strength are normalized by five different dimensionless methods, and the correlation degree of each parameter is calculated. Based on the mode theory and spearman theory, an improved grey correlation calculation model is established to evaluate the correlation degree of pore parameters. The results show that the correlation degree between pore parameters and compressive strength of cement Pisha sandstone is in the following order: >0~0.1μm aperture ratio, bound fluid index, >1μm aperture ratio, free fluid index, T2 spectrum area, porosity and >0.1~1μm aperture ratio. The spearman rank correlation coefficients of sample C4 were 0.964, 0.536, 0.893 and 0.964 respectively; The spearman rank correlation coefficients of sample C7 were 0.964, 0.607, 0.964 and 0.893 respectively. It can be seen that “ Range Analysis “ is the best normalization method among the five dimensionless methods, and its evaluation results are most in line with the actual situation. This study provides a new mathematical method for quantitatively characterizing the grey correlation effect of pore parameters of cement-based materials on compressive strength.