bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-law detection scheme for monobit transmitted-reference ultra wideband receivers
Authors: Khani Hassan
Published: August 2021

In ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, monobit receivers offer a low complexity implementation but at the same time exhibit a great performance loss. In this paper, a novel detection scheme, denoted as x-law detection (XLD), is proposed to diminish the performance loss caused by employing monobit analog-to-digital converters in transmitted-reference (TR) UWB receivers. Simulation results show that if the optimal value is employed for x, the XLD-based monobit weighted TR (MWTR) receiver can achieve 14.2~15.5 dB and 8~9.2 dB performance gain over the conventional MWTR receiver in LOS and NLOS scenarios, respectively. Moreover, the XLD-based MWTR receiver performance with the optimal value of x is only 1.6~3 dB away from the optimum MWTR receiver performance in intra-vehicle UWB channels. Additionally, the XLD-based MWTR receiver is not sensitive to the summation interval. This feature decreases the receiver complexity and guarantees a robust performance over different multipath channels. The significant performance improvement of the XLD scheme comes at a limited complexity increase. Thus, the XLD approach is a good candidate for TR-based and other training-based monobit receivers requiring low complexity, high performance, and low power consumption.
Effect of Empagliflozin on Worsening Heart Failure Events in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: EMPEROR-Preserved Trial
Authors: Packer Milton , Butler Javed , Zannad Faiez , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ferreira Joao Pedro , Pocock Stuart J. , Carson Peter , Anand Inder , Doehner Wolfram , Haass Markus , Komajda Michel , Miller Alan , Pehrson Steen , Teerlink John R. , Schnaidt Sven , Zeller Cordula , Schnee Janet M. , Anker Stefan D. ,   for the EMPEROR-Preserved Trial Study Group
Published: August 2021

Background:

Empagliflozin reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, but additional data are needed about its effect on inpatient and outpatient heart failure events.

Methods:

We randomly assigned 5988 patients with class II through IV heart failure with an ejection fraction of >40% to double-blind treatment with placebo or empagliflozin (10 mg once daily), in addition to usual therapy, for a median of 26 months. We prospectively collected information on inpatient and outpatient events reflecting worsening heart failure and prespecified their analysis in individual and composite end points.

Results:

Empagliflozin reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, or an emergency or urgent heart failure visit requiring intravenous treatment (432 versus 546 patients [empagliflozin versus placebo, respectively]; hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.67–0.87];
P
<0.0001). This benefit reached statistical significance at 18 days after randomization. Empagliflozin reduced the total number of heart failure hospitalizations that required intensive care (hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.52–0.96];
P
=0.028) and the total number of all hospitalizations that required a vasopressor or positive inotropic drug (hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55–0.97];
P
=0.033). Compared with patients in the placebo group, fewer patients in the empagliflozin group reported outpatient intensification of diuretics (482 versus 610; hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.67–0.86];
P
<0.0001), and patients assigned to empagliflozin were 20% to 50% more likely to have a better New York Heart Association functional class, with significant effects at 12 weeks that were maintained for at least 2 years. The benefit on total heart failure hospitalizations was similar in patients with an ejection fraction of >40% to <50% and 50% to <60%, but was attenuated at higher ejection fractions.

Conclusions:

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, empagliflozin produced a meaningful, early, and sustained reduction in the risk and severity of a broad range of inpatient and outpatient worsening heart failure events.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03057977.
Spironolactone Reduces Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Resistant Hypertension Independent of Blood Pressure Change
Authors: Aryal Sudeep R. , Siddiqui Mohammed , Sharifov Oleg F. , Coffin Megan D. , Zhang Bin , Gaddam Krishna K. , Gupta Himanshu , Denney Thomas S. , Dell'Italia Louis J. , Oparil Suzanne , Calhoun David A. , Lloyd Steven G.
Published: August 2021

Background

Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with arterial hypertension. Resistant hypertension is often linked to hyperaldosteronism and associated with adverse outcomes. Spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, has been shown to reduce both the arterial blood pressure (BP) and aortic stiffness in resistant hypertension. However, the mechanism of aortic stiffness reduction by spironolactone is not well understood. We hypothesized that spironolactone reduces aortic stiffness in resistant hypertension independently of BP change.

Methods and Results

Patients with uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mm Hg) despite use of ≥3 antihypertensive medications (including diuretics) were prospectively recruited. Participants were started on spironolactone at 25 mg/d, and increased to 50 mg/d at 4 weeks while other antihypertensive medications were withdrawn to maintain constant mean BP. Phase‐contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of the ascending aorta was performed in 30 participants at baseline and after 6 months of spironolactone treatment to measure aortic pulsatility, distensibility, and pulse wave velocity. Pulse wave velocity decreased (6.3±2.3 m/s to 4.5±1.8 m/s,
P
<0.001) and pulsatility and distensibility increased (15.9%±5.3% to 22.1%±7.9%,
P
<0.001; and 0.28%±0.10%/mm Hg to 0.40%±0.14%/mm Hg,
P
<0.001, respectively) following 6 months of spironolactone.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that spironolactone improves aortic properties in resistant hypertension independently of BP, which may support the hypothesis of an effect of aldosterone on the arterial wall. A larger prospective study is needed to confirm our findings.
ATP1A3
‐Encoded Sodium‐Potassium ATPase Subunit Alpha 3 D801N Variant Is Associated With Shortened QT Interval and Predisposition to Ventricular Fibrillation Preceded by Bradycardia
Authors: Moya‐Mendez Mary E. , Ogbonna Chiagoziem , Ezekian Jordan E. , Rosamilia Michael B. , Prange Lyndsey , de la Uz Caridad , Kim Jeffrey J. , Howard Taylor , Garcia John , Nussbaum Robert , Truty Rebecca , Callis Thomas E. , Funk Emily , Heyes Matthew , Dear Guy de Lisle , Carboni Michael P. , Idriss Salim F. , Mikati Mohamad A. , Landstrom Andrew P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pathogenic variation in the
ATP1A3
‐encoded sodium‐potassium ATPase, ATP1A3, is responsible for alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). Although these patients experience a high rate of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, the pathophysiologic basis for this risk remains unknown. The objective was to determine the role of
ATP1A3
genetic variants on cardiac outcomes as determined by QT and corrected QT (QTc) measurements.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 12‐lead ECG recordings from 62 patients (male subjects=31, female subjects=31) referred for AHC evaluation. Patients were grouped according to AHC presentation (typical versus atypical),
ATP1A3
variant status (positive versus negative), and
ATP1A3
variant (D801N versus other variants). Manual remeasurements of QT intervals and QTc calculations were performed by 2 pediatric electrophysiologists. QTc measurements were significantly shorter in patients with positive
ATP1A3
variant status (
P
<0.001) than in patients with genotype‐negative status, and significantly shorter in patients with the ATP1A3‐D801N variant than patients with other variants (
P
<0.001). The mean QTc for ATP1A3‐D801N was 344.9 milliseconds, which varied little with age, and remained <370 milliseconds throughout adulthood.
ATP1A3
genotype status was significantly associated with shortened QTc by multivariant regression analysis. Two patients with the ATP1A3‐D801N variant experienced ventricular fibrillation, resulting in death in 1 patient. Rare variants in
ATP1A3
were identified in a large cohort of genotype‐negative patients referred for arrhythmia and sudden unexplained death.

Conclusions

Patients with AHC who carry the ATP1A3‐D801N variant have significantly shorter QTc intervals and an increased likelihood of experiencing bradycardia associated with life‐threatening arrhythmias.
ATP1A3
variants may represent an independent cause of sudden unexplained death. Patients with AHC should be evaluated to identify risk of sudden death.
Timing of Prehospital Advanced Airway Management for Adult Patients With Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Okubo Masashi , Komukai Sho , Izawa Junichi , Gibo Koichiro , Kiyohara Kosuke , Matsuyama Tasuku , Iwami Taku , Callaway Clifton W. , Kitamura Tetsuhisa
Published: August 2021

Background

The timing of advanced airway management (AAM) on patient outcomes after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest has not been fully investigated. We evaluated the association between the timing of prehospital AAM and 1‐month survival.

Methods and Results

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective, nationwide, population‐based out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest registry in Japan. We included emergency medical services–treated adult (≥18 years) out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests from 2014 through 2017, stratified into initial shockable or nonshockable rhythms. Patients who received AAM at any minute after emergency medical services–initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation underwent risk‐set matching with patients who were at risk of receiving AAM within the same minute using time‐dependent propensity scores. Eleven thousand three hundred six patients with AAM in shockable and 163 796 with AAM in nonshockable cohorts, respectively, underwent risk‐set matching. For shockable rhythms, the risk ratios (95% CIs) of AAM on 1‐month survival were 1.01 (0.89–1.15) between 0 and 5 minutes, 1.06 (0.98–1.15) between 5 and 10 minutes, 0.99 (0.87–1.12) between 10 and 15 minutes, 0.74 (0.59–0.92) between 15 and 20 minutes, 0.61 (0.37–1.00) between 20 and 25 minutes, and 0.73 (0.26–2.07) between 25 and 30 minutes after emergency medical services–initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For nonshockable rhythms, the risk ratios of AAM were 1.12 (1.00–1.27) between 0 and 5 minutes, 1.34 (1.25–1.44) between 5 and 10 minutes, 1.39 (1.26–1.54) between 10 and 15 minutes, 1.20 (0.99–1.45) between 15 and 20 minutes, 1.18 (0.80–1.73) between 20 and 25 minutes, 0.63 (0.29–1.38) between 25 and 30 minutes, and 0.44 (0.11–1.69) after 30 minutes.

Conclusions

In this observational study, the timing of AAM was not statistically associated with improved 1‐month survival for shockable rhythms, but AAM within 15 minutes after emergency medical services–initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with improved 1‐month survival for nonshockable rhythms.
Association of Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Report of the US Registry for Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Dicks Andrew B. , Gornik Heather L. , Gu Xiaokui , Bacharach J. Michael , Fendrikova Mahlay Natalia , Froehlich James B. , Gupta Kamal , Gray Bruce H. , Kim Esther S. H. , Mahmood Redah , Sharma Aditya M. , Wells Bryan J. , Olin Jeffrey W. , Weinberg Ido
Published: August 2021

Background

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic arterial disease that has a variable presentation including pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The frequency and characteristics of PT in FMD are not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of PT in FMD and compare characteristics between patients with and without PT.

Methods and Results

Data were queried from the US Registry for FMD from 2009 to 2020. The primary outcomes were frequency of PT among the FMD population and prevalence of baseline characteristics, signs/symptoms, and vascular bed involvement in patients with and without PT. Of 2613 patients with FMD who were included in the analysis, 972 (37.2%) reported PT. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to explore factors associated with PT. Compared with those without PT, patients with PT were more likely to have involvement of the extracranial carotid artery (90.0% versus 78.6%; odds ratio, 1.49;
P
=0.005) and to have higher prevalence of other neurovascular signs/symptoms including headache (82.5% versus 62.7%; odds ratio, 1.82;
P
<0.001), dizziness (44.9% versus 22.9%; odds ratio, 2.01;
P
<0.001), and cervical bruit (37.5% versus 15.8%; odds ratio, 2.73;
P
<0.001) compared with those without PT.

Conclusions

PT is common among patients with FMD. Patients with FMD who present with PT have higher rates of neurovascular signs/symptoms, cervical bruit, and involvement of the extracranial carotid arteries. The coexistence of the 2 conditions should be recognized, and providers who evaluate patients with PT should be aware of FMD as a potential cause.
Rethinking the Meaning of Ordinary Meaning in Light of the ICJ’s Jurisprudence
Authors: Hosseinnejad Katayoun
Published: August 2021

Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties calls for consideration of the ordinary meaning as the starting point in the process of interpretation. Although the linguistic concept of ordinary meaning is founded on the idea that the meaning of a sentence is directly imposed by the norms of language so that interpreters are provided with an objective standard which is external to their subjectivity, this article demonstrates that the interpretive jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice has departed from the imperatives of the ordinary meaning doctrine. Rather, the Court, mindful of the problem that no mere sequence of words can represent actual legal meaning, has moved towards construction of ordinary meaning.
The Practice of Appending Declarations at International Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Lamus Andrés Sarmiento , González Quintero Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

The possibility for judges and arbitrators to append individual opinions is a discretionary right that has existed since the early stages of international adjudication. From its inception, clear boundaries have existed between the three different kinds of individual opinions, namely, declarations, separate opinions and dissenting opinions. Despite these boundaries, the practice on appending declarations shows that they have never been circumscribed, to merely record the fact of the concurrence or dissent of a judge. In consequence, some analyses exist in an attempt to explain what the differences between declarations and other individual opinions are. The most recent practice from judges when appending declarations, however, seems to run counter to the conclusions provided in the said analyses. This fact leads to the question as to what is, in the light of this recent practice of appending individual opinions, the difference between declarations and separate or dissenting opinions. This article attempts to address the said question and as a consequence the relevance of declarations in international adjudication.
The Rights of the Accused under the Rome Statute and the US Bill of Rights: Has 20 Years of ICC Jurisprudence Brought Those Together?
Authors: Zajac Kacper
Published: August 2021

The alleged lower standard of the rights of the accused under the Rome Statute compared to those guaranteed by the US Constitution was one of the most important areas of criticism of the Rome Statute by American scholars. This criticism was made in the early 2000s and was based on the text of the Rome Statute alone, before any ICC jurisprudence existed. This article draws on the 20 years of operation of the ICC to ascertain whether the judicial interpretation and application of the procedural rights of the defendant, guaranteed under the Rome Statute, have made them more compatible with their counterparts under the US Constitution. The premise of this article is that the 20 years of interpretation and application of those rights may have strengthened them to the point where the gap between the procedural guarantees under the Rome Statute and the US Constitution has become negligible. This, in turn, would make the early criticism of the ICC system obsolete, at least insofar as the legal argument is concerned. Accordingly, this paper examines existing jurisprudence of the ICC in the areas of prosecutorial disclosure obligations, admission of evidence and the examination of witnesses. This is for several reasons: firstly, the selected three rights were among those criticised by American scholars in the early 2000s as falling short of what was required under the US Constitution; secondly, unlike some other criticised rights, which reflect the ICC’s institutional design and, therefore, are unlikely to change in scope, the selected three are relatively vaguely phrased, thus making it possible to transform their meaning through judicial interpretation; thirdly, the selected rights have been sufficiently elaborated on by the ICC through case law so as to carry a meaning exceeding what the Rome Statute alone provides. The findings of the study indicate that inasmuch as the ICC’s jurisprudence has moved some aspects of the three areas under examination towards their counterparts under the US Constitution, the procedural rights of the defendant before American courts generally remain more robust.
Between the Law of the Sea and Sovereign Immunity: Reflections on the Jurisdiction of the Annex VII Arbitral Tribunal in the Enrica Lexie Incident Case
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi
Published: August 2021

The jurisdiction ratione materiae of an international court or tribunal in a particular dispute settlement system relies on a sensitive balance between the safeguard of the consensual basis of jurisdiction and the need for the effective settlement of international disputes. Thus, the scope of the jurisdiction ratione materiae of an international court or tribunal constitutes a crucial issue in international adjudication. This issue was vividly raised in the 2020 Enrica Lexie Incident arbitration between Italy and India. In this case, the arbitral tribunal constituted in accordance with Annex VII to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea held that it had jurisdiction to decide the issue of immunity that necessarily arose as an incidental question in the application of the Convention. However, the validity of the Tribunal’s approach needs careful consideration. Therefore, this article critically examines the Arbitral Tribunal’s approach in the Enrica Lexie Incident arbitral award.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mixed-Halide Inorganic-Organic Hybrid CH3NH3PbBr2.5Cl0.5 Perovskite for Photodetector Application
Authors: Chen Yan , Tao Siwen , Liu Yaqi , Fu Xuewei , Pei Mengyi , Hou Xuhong , Zhou Huawei , Yin Jie , Zhang Xianxi
Published: August 2021

Inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite (ABX3, A = organic cation, B = metal ion, X = halogen anion) combines the advantages of inorganic and organic materials. However, the properties and performance of mixed-halide CH3NH3PbBr2.5Cl0.5
(MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5) are still poorly understood. In this study, we synthetized MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5 single crystal and studied its structure, optical, thermal stability properties and optoelectronics applications for photodetector device. Compared with those
of MAPbCl3, the interplanar distance of (100) crystal plane for MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5 becomes larger and the absorption spectrum of MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5 is extended to the visible region. The band gap of the MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5 single
crystal is 2.28 eV. We find the device based on MAPbBr2.5Cl0.5 has high selectivity from 369 to 564 nm. The maximum ▴J (Jon– Joff) under 3.0 V bias voltage is about 1.2 µAcmr-2 at 454 nm visible light
with 1 W mr-2 light intensity (1/1000 of the standard sunlight intensity), which proves the device has a high sensitivity. The linear relationship is established between the value of ▴J and light intensity and bias voltage. The fast current intensity transients (Fit)
shows that the disappearance period of photocurrent density is 0.3 ms, which indicates the device is rapidly responsive photodetector. The highest value (1.7%) of external quantum efficiency (EQE) and the highest value of detectivities (D) both appear at 480 nm visible light at 4.0 V bias
voltage when the irradiation power is 30 W m-2. Therefore, this simple and low-cost photoresponsive device is promising for industrial production of photodetector and photocatalysts device in the future.
Propagation Characteristics of Vortex Beam Using Visualization Analysis in Free Space
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hao Minru , Shao Min , Zhang Yunzhe
Published: August 2021

We theoretically analyze the linear momentum density and orbital angular momentum (OAM) propagation characteristics of Gaussian vortex beams in free space, and perform detailed numerical simulation analysis of the linear momentum density and OAM propagation characteristics. Further,
we study the variation of the propagation characteristics with different topological charges. In addition, we also analyzed the position of momentum in the transverse profile, where the momentum density of the spot will be broadened with propagation distance. This study can provide guidance
for using vortex beams in optical communication and manipulation.
Design of Microelectronics Microsystem Neural Learning Controller Based on Subspace State Recognition
Authors: Yao Bo , Yin Wan-Jun
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the large delay and large inertia in cone storage and irrigation, this paper adopts machine learning and predictive control, proposes a closed-loop N4SID (numerical subspace state system identification) algorithm, which is adjusted by IMC based on Smith predictor PI controller
and parameter tuning are given, and the steps designed in cascade control are given. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.Compared with closed-loop SVA and open-loop methods, the method proposed in this paper has better verification results and pole assignment.
According to this model, the PI controller is adjusted using IMC based on Smith Smith predictor. Compared with the traditional ZN adjustment method, this method shows good results in a conical system. In addition, the PI parameters can be adjusted to obtain robust control using the H∞-based
mixed sensitivity algorithm. The contribution of this paper is the use of closed subspace system identification to identify the MIMO state space. The developed model validates the IMC tuned PI controller based on the Smith predictor in the factory.
Effects of Oxygen Partial Pressure on the Properties of SnOx Thin Films Doped with Indium
Authors: Kyun Lyou Myeong , Kim Hyunki , Kim SeoGwon , Seong Bae Byung , Yun Eui-Jung
Published: August 2021

This study examined the effects of the oxygen partial pressure on the properties of heavily indium-doped tin-oxide (In-SnOx) thin films grown at room temperature by reactive direct-current pulse sputtering from a mixed metallic target containing Sn (70 atomic %)-In
(30 atomic %). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic secondary-ion mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Hall Effect measurements showed that the In-SnOx samples prepared with oxygen pressures of 10–20% had metallic properties. This was attributed
to the notable Sn0 area ranges of 5.6–17.3%, low resistivity ranges of 5.5×10−3–2×10−4 Ωcm, and the high carrier concentration ranges of 3.5×1021–5.1×1022/cm3. On the other hand,
the Sn4+ area and the resistivity increased significantly to 73.3% and 9.4 Ωcm. In comparison, the Sn2+ area and the electron concentration decreased dramatically to 23.6% and 6.5×1016/cm3, respectively, with increasing oxygen partial pressure
up to 30%. The samples prepared with oxygen pressures higher than 20% exhibited nonmetallic properties with the dominant n-type SnO2 phase. This steep increase in the Sn4+ area was attributed to an increase in the oxygen contents in the samples, resulting in a decrease
in the number of oxygen vacancy donors in the samples prepared with oxygen pressures higher than 20%. The decrease in the Sn2+ area was related to a decrease in the indium (In) contents in the samples, which also decreased the number of metal acceptors in the samples. XRD also showed
that the metallic indium stannide (In0.2Sn0.8) and In–Sn–O(ITO) peaks coexisted for samples prepared with an oxygen pressure of 0–10%. In contrast, the samples prepared with oxygen pressures higher than 20% had an amorphous structure with SnO2
and SnO phases, supporting the XPS and Hall Effect measurement results.
A Study on the Electric Characteristics of the Trench Gate Field Stop Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Through Two-Step Field Stop
Authors: Seock Lee Hae , Hee Lee Geon , Sup Ahn Byoung , Goo Kang Ey
Published: August 2021

Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) element is an electrically conductive device with Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) output and Metal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) input. The IGBTs is a power semiconductor device that aims for high breakdown voltage, low on-state
voltage, fast switching and reliability. This paper is, the experiment was conducted with a two-step field stop, IGBT instead of a traditional one step field stop. In order to minimize the energy loss caused by the trade-off relationship between breakdown voltage and the on-state voltage drop,
the experiment was conducted by forming a two-step field stop. Through concentration control between steps, breakdown voltage, On-state Voltage drop and turn off time could be adjusted in detail, and efficient characteristic values could be obtained accordingly. Experiments have confirmed
that the On state voltage drop and turn-off time, in particular, can be adjusted by small failure voltage loss upon change in the first stage field stop.
Effects of Plasma and Evaporated Atoms on the Spatial Distribution of Coating Film Thickness for Electron Beam-Induced Material Evaporation
Authors: Huang Chong-Lin , Qiao Dongkai , Ho Ching-Yen , Xiong Chang-Wei
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the spatial distributions of electron beam-evaporated atoms and electron beam-induced plasma in the coating process. The materials evaporated by electron beams first form vapour and then a little of plasma is generated in the vapour. The spatial distributions
of electron beam-induced atoms and plasma play an important role on the coating uniformity of composition and thickness. The radial distribution of coating deposition thickness of electron beam-evaporated atoms predicted by this study agrees with the available experimental data. The predicted
distribution of ion density in the electron beam-induced plasma agrees with the available measured data. The results reveal that the normalized coating thicknesses at the divergence angle of 6 and 14 degrees of vapor source, respectively, are 0.8 and 0.2 of these at divergence angle of 0 degree
of vapor source for titanium and aluminum evaporated separately. The similar tendency for the decreasing coating thickness with the radial distance is also obtained for the co-evaporation of aluminum, titanium, and copper. High rotation rate of substrate of vapor source leads to the small
deposition rate. Most ions in the electron beam-induced plasma are attracted by electrons of the electon beam and are located at the neighbourhood of the beam region. Therefore, the ion and ion-attracted electron densities rapidly decrease with the increasing radial distance from the electron
beam.
Thermal Stability of Electroless NiP Diffusion Barrier on BiTe-Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Yen , Quoc Dang Khanh , Son Injoon
Published: August 2021

To produce BiTe-based thermoelectric modules, BiTe-based species with an electroless NiP (EN) coating layer acting as a diffusion barrier were connected to Cu electrodes by a soldering process. In order to investigate the thermal stability of the EN diffusion barrier on BiTe-based thermoelectric
materials, Ni-coated BiTe-based modules were annealed at 200 °C for 200, 500, and 1000 h. The bonding strength of the BiTe species was >8 MPa, and it remained stable after 200, 500, and 1000 heating hours. The interfacial structure indicated the formation of a Sn–Cu intermetallic
compound (IMC) below the EN-plated region. The morphology of Sn–Cu IMC before and after heating was observed. As the current flow was applied through the BiTe-based thermoelectric module, the temperatures on the hot and cold side of the modules were recorded. Owing to the thermal stability
of the EN layer, the 200 h heated modules presented heating and cooling efficiencies similar to those of non-heated modules.
Sintering Behaviors of Pt Nanopowders with Different Particle Sizes: A Real-Time Synchrotron X-ray Scattering Study
Authors: Lee Jang-Hyeong , Cho Tae-Sik
Published: August 2021

We have studied the solid state sintering behaviors of platinum (Pt) nanopowders with different particle sizes using real-time synchrotron X-ray scattering in air. Pt powders with large particle size of 101 nm at room temperature (RT) showed a defect-free crystal domain size of 10 nm.
Most of these powders exhibited multiple grains inside the particle. Solid state sintering of the powders mainly occurred through surface diffusion of Pt atoms near 145 °C, grain boundary diffusion from 150 to 400 °C, and then grain growth above 550 °C. Meanwhile, Pt nanopowders
with small particle size of 18 nm at RT showed a crystal domain size of 8 nm. Most of these powders exhibited a single grain inside the particle. Solid state sintering of the nanopowders mainly occurred through surface diffusion of Pt atoms near 151 °C and then grain growth above 400 °C.
Grain boundary diffusion does not happen because grain boundary hardly exists.
Cabbage-Like NiCo2S4/MoS2 Assemblies as Electrode Materials for Asymmetric Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Zhao Yan , Song Shiwei
Published: August 2021

In this work, cabbage-like NiCo2S4/MoS2 assemblies are prepared via a simple hydrothermal process. The as-prepared product as electrode material possesses a specific capacitance of 612 C g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 94% capacitance
retention after 10000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Furthermore, the as-assembled asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 73.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 453.4 W kg−1. It demonstrates that the cabbage-like structures present promising
applications in future energy storage devices.
Does Prolonged Use of N95 Masks Affect Nasal Mucociliary Clearance? A Single Group Pre-Post Study
Authors: Rajan Nikhil , Choudhury Bikram , Prakash Dipika , Soni Kapil , Kaushal Darwin , Shakrawal Neha , Nair Nithin Prakasan , Goyal Amit
Published: August 2021

Objective:

It has been shown that prolonged use of face masks results in physiological changes in the nasal cavity. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of prolonged use of face masks on nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC).

Methods:

A single group pre-post study was conducted to determine the effects of prolonged use of N95 face mask (≥4 hours) on the NMC rates in health care workers. Saccharin transit time (STT) was used to measure the NMC. STT before and after using an N95 mask for at least 4 hours was measured for all participants in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.

Results:

Forty-eight volunteers (20 female and 28 male) completed the study after the enrollment of 57 volunteers. The mean STT before mask use was 580.27 ± 193.93 seconds (95% CI; 523.95-636.58 seconds) and after mask use was 667.47 ± 237.42 seconds (95% CI; 598.53-736.42 seconds). There was significant prolongation of the NMC after prolonged use of N95 mask on performing the paired t-test ( P = .002). The mean prolongation was 87.20 ± 184.97 seconds with an actual effect size of 0.40. Ambient temperature and humidity were not significantly different at the two test instances.

Conclusion:

Use of the N95 face masks for 4 hours results in prolongation of the nasal mucociliary clearance as measured by STT. Susceptibility to any respiratory infection may be increased following doffing of the personal protective equipment, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) itself.
Correlations of Radiographic and Endoscopic Observations in Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Bourdillon Alexandra T. , Hajek Michael A. , Wride Mitchel , Lee Mike , Lerner Michael , Kohli Nikita
Published: August 2021

Objective(s):

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) represents a constellation of diverse pathologic processes that ultimately lead to narrowing of the subglottic region and can produce significant morbidity. Existing endoscopic and radiographic assessments may not be consistent in practice.

Methods:

Severity of stenosis was evaluated and reported using the Cotton-Myer classification system from 33 endoscopic procedures from 32 unique subjects. Radiographic imaging within the preceding 3 month period was subsequently reviewed and narrowing was measured by a blinded radiologist. Degree of stenosis was reported as a percentage in 30 out of 33 endoscopic evaluations and subsequently compared to radiographically determined percentage of stenosis. Statistical analyzes were conducted to evaluate concordance between endoscopic and radiographic assessments.

Results:

About 45.5% (15/33) of the evaluations were in agreement using Cotton-Myer scoring, while 27.3% (9/33) were discrepant by 1 grade and 27.3% (9/33) by 2 grades. Correlation of degree of stenosis as a percentage using Spearman (coefficient: 0.233, P-value: .214) and Pearson (coefficient: 0.138, P-value: .466) methods demonstrated very weak relationships. Radiographic scoring did not predict endoscopic classification to a significant degree using mixed effects regression.

Conclusions:

Radiographic and endoscopic grading of subglottic stenosis may not be reliably concordant in practice.
COVID-19 Restrictions and Variety Seeking in Travel Choices and Actions: The Moderating Effects of Previous Experience and Crowding
Authors: Kim Jungkeun , Park Jooyoung , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Lee Daniel Chaein , Sigala Marianna
Published: August 2021

This article investigates how the perceived threats caused by COVID-19 affect consumers’ travel choices and actions by influencing their intentions to seek variety. Four studies show that the perceived threat of COVID-19 increases variety seeking in travel choices. Study 1 finds that travelers who perceive a greater threat of COVID-19 tend to undertake more varied activities during their travel. Study 2 shows that the main effect exists only for individuals who have previously visited the destination. Study 3 replicates the moderating effect of previous visiting experience by using a different way to manipulate the perceived threat of COVID-19. Study 4 illustrates the moderating impact of another important factor: the number of travelers included in the companies’ communication messages. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.
Congenital syphilis: Need for intensification of antenatal screening and clinician awareness
Authors: Sunny Minu P , Krishnan C , Abdulla PR Sabeel , Geeta MG
Published: August 2021

Congenital syphilis occurs due to trans-placental transmission of Treponema pallidum or rarely, intrapartum contact with infectious lesions. Even though preventable, congenital syphilis occurs sporadically in India, owing to lack of antenatal screening as well as the lack of awareness among clinicians about the burden of syphilis in the community. Since a significant overlap of clinical manifestations exists with many systemic diseases, awareness among clinicians is crucial for an early diagnosis. Renomegaly, nephrotic syndrome and nephritis can all be the signs of renal involvement in congenital syphilis, which can provide clues of the diagnosis. Direct invasion by spirochetes, hypersensitivity reactions and immune complex deposition in glomeruli contribute to the pathogenesis. We report a case of congenital syphilis characterised by delayed diagnosis with renal as well as cutaneous manifestations from missed maternal syphilis during the antenatal period and owing to the lack of antenatal screening.
Fandom, Place Protection, and Urban Planning: Two Sporting Case Studies
Authors: Brawley Sean , Nielsen Erik
Published: August 2021

This study explores the intersections between the study of sport and the study of the city through the extension of sport history to themes traditionally explored by geography—notably urban planning scholars. Its focus is two case studies related to urban planning decisions in early millennial Sydney, Australia. Through an examination of public submissions in response to building development applications made by two community-owned professional sports organizations competing in the National Rugby League, the study explores how modern sporting fandom complicates ideas about place and locality through forms of delocalization and glocalization. The authors conclude that when exploring the phenomenon of place protection, the built environment is not necessarily the primary factor informing a sense of place attachment in an urban environment.
Security and privacy with K-step opacity for finite automata via a novel algebraic approach
Authors: Xu Qian , Zhang Zhipeng , Yan Yongyi , Xia Chengyi
Published: August 2021

As an important secretive attribute, opacity of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) has attracted considerable attention. Existing works on opacity mainly concentrate on the formal language method by assuming that the intruder tracks partial knowledge of observable transitions. In this paper, under the framework of Boolean semi-tensor product (BSTP) of matrix, we extend the verification of opaque property to algebraic mechanisms that have great advantages in problem description and solution. First, we show that how [Formula: see text]-step opacity problem of nondeterministic finite automata (NFAs) can be transformed to the construction problem of a polynomial matrix that characterizes the state estimation eavesdropped by malicious intruders within the last [Formula: see text] observations. Second, the necessary and sufficient condition of verifying [Formula: see text]-step opacity is obtained, which is equivalent to validate the composition of elements within the polynomial matrix. Finally, the effectiveness of this result is demonstrated by an illustrative example. Taking together, the matrix-based method will be useful to deliver a novel theoretical tool for investigating the privacy-preserving problem in the related area of CPSs.
An adaptive super-twisting algorithm based on conditioning technique
Authors: Liu Dakai , Esche Sven , Wang Mingang
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an adaptive conditioning-technique-based super-twisting algorithm aiming at improving the convergence speed and reducing the overshoot at the same time. Compared with a recently proposed method called new modified super-twisting algorithm, in which a linear acceleration factor and a damping factor are added to achieve this goal, the proposed method has several advantages. First, the proposed method enhances the convergence performance of the system by resorting to the characteristics of the conditioned super-twisting algorithm and the adaptive gains, without changing the basic structure of the classical super-twisting controller. Thus, stability proof of this method is much simpler and more concise. Furthermore, unlike the new modified super-twisting algorithm, in which an unnatural assumption on the Lipschitz disturbance is made for the stability proof, this method can counteract not only typical bounded Lipschitz disturbances but also square-root growth disturbances. Also, a set of less conservative control gains can be obtained with the proposed algorithm than with the compared algorithm. Apart from these benefits, several simulation results illustrate that the performance of the proposed method is even better in convergence and recovering from disturbance.
Doctors’ Attitudes to Patient Question Asking, Patient-Generated Question Lists, and Question Prompt Lists: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tracy Marguerite Clare , Muscat Danielle Maree , Shepherd Heather L. , Trevena Lyndal Jane
Published: August 2021

Background

Participation by patients in their own health care improves quality and safety. Question prompt lists (QPLs) can improve participation, particularly with doctors’ endorsement. Few data have explored doctors’ attitudes on these tools. We sought the experiences and attitudes of general practitioners and other specialists toward patient question asking and QPLs in their practice.

Methods

In-depth, semistructured interviews and focus groups with purposively selected Australian doctors were conducted. Interview guides were used to explore doctors’ experiences of patient question asking, patients’ lists, and a sample QPL created using an Australian government-funded online tool, “Question Builder.” Recordings were transcribed verbatim and data analyzed thematically using the method by Braun and Clarke.

Results

Focus groups with 3 to 9 participants and a further 17 individual interviews were conducted. There was a total of 40 participants, 23 general practitioners and 17 other specialists (e.g., physicians, surgeons, pediatricians). Our analysis was summarized into several themes. 1) The doctors expected, encouraged, and had significant experience of patient question asking and patients’ lists. They described many barriers for patients and their efforts to ensure patients had the information they needed. 2) The doctors felt responsible for creating an environment conducive to patient question asking, the delivery of answers, having strategies for unanswered questions, and balancing the agendas of both parties in the consultation. 3) Structured QPLs that prepared patients and facilitated the consultation agenda were viewed positively. The degree of time pressures participating doctors experienced in their context had a strong influence on how they responded to the sample QPL.

Conclusion

Doctors in this study expected patients to ask questions and endorsed the benefits of QPLs. However, there were more diverse views about the feasibility of implementing them in practice. Designing QPLs to fit within current workflows, via more succinct and tailored designs, may result in wider doctor acceptance and endorsement, hence maximizing the benefits of QPLs with improved patient participation and patient safety.
Hyperglycemia exacerbates cadmium-induced glomerular nephrosis
Authors: Li Mengyang , Liu Xiuxiu , Zhang Zengli
Published: August 2021

Current research suggests that cadmium (Cd) exposure may be associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy; however, the details of this relationship are insufficiently understood. The present study investigated the effects of elevated glucose on Cd-induced toxicity to glomerular cells using in vitro and in vivo models, and it demonstrated that Cd exposure and the hyperglycemia of diabetes acting together increased the risk of developing glomerular nephrosis . In vitro, human podocytes were exposed to a DMEM low-glucose media without (control), or with Cd (as CdCl2), or a high-glucose media plus Cd. The CCK-8, ROS, apoptosis, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) assays showed that human podocytes exposed to Cd in a high-glucose media had greater degrees of injury compared with cells treated with Cd at low (euglycemic)-glucose levels. In vivo, diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin in 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice to which either CdCl2 or saline (control) was intraperitoneally injected twice weekly for 24 weeks. Compared with euglycemic saline-treated controls, the diabetic mice exposed to Cd demonstrated decreased body weight and increased blood urea nitrogen levels along with histopathological renal architecture changes including collagen fiber accumulation. The results of this study supported the hypothesis that hyperglycemia plus Cd exposure increases the risk of damage to glomerular podocytes compared with Cd exposure in euglycemia.
Comparative investigations of cryo-treated and untreated inserts on machinability of AISI 1050 by using response surface methodology, ANOVA and Taguchi design
Authors: Baday Şehmus , Ersöz Onur
Published: August 2021

This study aims to focus on the machinability of the AISI 1050 workpieces with cutting inserts, treated under deep cryogenic heat (−146 °C), and with untreated ones, and to investigate the optimization of cutting parameters and heat treatment conditions for surface roughness and cutting force by using Taguchi mixed design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The machining experiment was performed on a CNC lathe with machining parameters such as three feed rates, three cutting speeds and a constant depth of cut under dry condition and with heat treatment condition. As is known, Taguchi design L18 (32 21) consists of three factors; cutting parameters with each one of three levels and heat treatment condition with two levels. The results of machining tests were evaluated considering surface roughness, vibrations and cutting force. Furthermore, chip morphology and wear led by cryo-treated and untreated inserts were detected with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrated that cryo-treated (CTI) insert had lower tool wear, vibration, and cutting force than untreated insert (UI) in all conditions. In aspect of chip morphology, untreated inserts had bigger and larger serrations than the treated inserts. In addition, according to Taguchi S/N ratio, optimal cutting parameters and heat treatment conditions were obtained from CHT1, V3, and f1 for the Fc and from CHT1, V1, and f1 for the Ra, respectively. Also, the most significant control factors on surface roughness and cutting force were feed rate depending on ANOVA results and RSM. Validation test results demonstrated that RSM and Taguchi mixed design calculated the cutting force (R2RSM (CTI and UI) = 99.99% and R2Tag. = 99.95%) and surface roughness (R2RSM (CTI) = 99.76%, R2RSM (UI) = 99.59% and R2Tag. = 99.12%). Therefore, RSM and Taguchi mixed design predicts highly well match experimental data with prediction data.