bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of wind turbine-only noise levels measured at operating wind farms in the United States to noise levels predicted using ISO 9613-2:1996
Authors: Hankard Michael , Cerjan Jeff , Bowers Justin , McElroy Scott
Published: December 2020

This paper describes robust and effective methods for the measurement of noise emissions from utility-scale wind farms and the analysis of the resulting data for determining compliance with noise level limits and standards. The methods call for primarily unattended monitoring of noise levels, wind speeds, and turbine operating conditions over many weeks, in some cases months, in order to capture the recurring maximum wind turbine-only noise level at a receptor (i.e., residence). This condition occurs when the nearest turbines are producing full acoustic output while noise from background sources is very low (particularly that from wind). Presented are the results of noise compliance measurement studies applying these methods conducted by Hankard Environmental, encompassing eight projects and 35 measurement locations in the Northeast, Midwest, and Plains regions of the United States (U.S.) The results of these measurements are used to assess the accuracy of the ISO 9613-2:1996 method in predicting wind turbine noise levels at residences. These results can be used by wind energy developers to accurately design projects to meet applicable limits and standards and give all parties involved in the permitting process a greater degree of confidence in predictions and greater clarity during compliance measurements.
Automatic classification and reduction of wind noise contamination in spectral data
Authors: Cook Mylan R. , Jones Zachary T. , Gee Kent L. , Transtrum Mark K. , Calton Matt , Lympany Shane V. , James Michael M.
Published: December 2020

As part of a larger project to develop a machine-learning-based model for ambient soundscapes, an investigation was conducted to determine what portion of the spectral database used for model training is likely contaminated by wind noise, and to remove this contamination. Although outdoor wind screens were used in data collection, many of the hourly one-third octave spectra have a low-frequency level increase that is characteristic of wind noise contamination. This contamination, which can extend to frequencies above 100 Hz, limits the machine learning algorithm's ability to train on acoustically relevant low-frequency data. In an attempt to automate classification, various spectral parameters were investigated for their relevance in evidencing wind contamination. Although other spectral parameters can have a small impact on results, the low-frequency spectral slope is used as the key indicator for whether or not data are contaminated by wind noise. Using this approach, an automated classifier was created, which leads to a wind noise contamination reduction algorithm that can significantly improve sound level calculation. [Funded by a U.S. Army SBIR.]
Acoustic measurement of the flow resistivity of a rigid porous material via low frequency transmitted waves—Frequency approach
Authors: Sadouki Mustapha , Ait Kaid Nassima , Hassine Hanane
Published: December 2020

In this work, an acoustic characterization process is proposed to measure the flow resistivity of porous materials with rigid frame via transmitted waves at very low frequency. The equivalent fluid theory is considered. Two expressions of the transmission coefficient have been established in the Darcy regime. The first depends on the frequency, porosity and air flow resistivity, while the second is frequency independent and depends only on the air flow resistivity. The inverse problem is solved in the frequency domain. The inverted values of the air flow resistivity are determined using the two low-frequency expressions of the transmission coefficients. The tests are carried out using two industrial plastic foam samples frequently used in thermal and sound insulation. The reliability of the results obtained is discussed and compared with those given by conventional methods.
Determination of photoelastic properties of silicon crystals in visible range
Authors: Akhmedzhanov Farkhad
Published: December 2020

As is well known, the acousto-optic interaction in absolutely transparent crystals is lacking. In this connection the greatest interest are presented the acousto-optic investigations in the optical range, in which the crystals are not transparent. In order to carry out the similar experiments, it is necessary to use a buffer crystal with a small coefficient of light absorption at the applied wavelength. In the present work the effective photoelastic constant of a silicon crystal was determined by the Bragg light diffraction method at a wavelength 632.8 nm. A gallium phosphide crystal sample was used as a buffer crystal because it is transparent in the visible range of the spectrum and has good acoustooptical quality. The research results have shown the possibility of determination of photoelastic properties of silicon crystals by the method of Bragg light diffraction in the visible range of the light. In such experiments, the intensity of diffracted light can be obtained by an order of magnitude greater than in crystals transparent in the visible region of the light, such as lithium niobate, paratellurite, or lead molybdate.
A new theory of slow dynamics: Mechanistic diffusion model
Authors: Bittner James , Popovics John
Published: December 2020

Wave propagation through damaged heterogeneous materials (e.g., stone, cement, metals) elicits a broad range of physical behaviors, which includes a transient nonlinear modulus softening known as slow dynamics. Slow dynamic behaviors may provide new capability for identifying the presence of damage in materials that are traditionally difficult to inspect. Yet, to date, no verified physical justification for the presence of slow dynamic behavior exists and no single model accounts for all experimental observations. In this work, we propose a new theory for slow dynamic behaviors based on a mechanistic multi-physics diffusion model, and we evaluate the theory using a new experiment. Our results demonstrate that the new theory provides a physical mechanism for slow dynamic behaviors that aligns well with existing experimental observations, and the experiment enables measurement of a new physical quantity that correlates with transient nonlinear modulus softening. These results can be used to create new techniques of measuring slow dynamics for improved detection of damage in heterogeneous materials.
Discrimination of rippled signals with different ripple densities
Authors: Supin Alexander , Milekhina Olga N. , Tomozova Marina S. , Nechaev Dmitry I.
Published: December 2020

Signals with rippled frequency spectra are used to investigate capabilities of hearing to analyze and discriminate complex sounds. Till now, rippled signals with the difference between discriminated signals equal across the frequency band were exploited. In the present study, signals of different ripple densities in which ripple differences varied across the signal band were used. Ripple-density difference (RDD) thresholds increased with increasing the standard ripple density. At a standard ripple density of 2 to 10 ripples/oct, RDD threshold dependence on ripple density was identical for signal frequencies of 1 to 4 kHz: thresholds were from 0.06 ripples/oct at a standard density of 2 ripples/oct to 5–7 ripples/oct at a standard ripple density of 10 ripples/oct; RDD thresholds were not measurable at standard ripple densities above 10 ripples/oct and frequencies of 1 and 2 kHz. However, at a frequency of 4 kHz, RDD thresholds were measurable at standard ripple densities of 15 ripples/oct and higher. Hypothetically, at ripple densities of up to 10 ripples/oct, the signals were discriminated by the excitation-pattern mechanism; at ripple densities above 10 ripples/oct and a signal center frequency of 4 kHz, the signals were discriminated by the temporal-processing mechanism. [Work supported by Russian Science Foundation, Grant 16-15-10046.]
Modeling the contribution of auditory scene analysis principles to perceptual effects of orchestration
Authors: Antoine Aurélien , Depalle Philippe , McAdams Stephen
Published: December 2020

Auditory Scene Analysis (ASA) research has provided knowledge about the principles underlying auditory organization processes and has been successfully applied in computational ASA. Based on these findings, we applied these principles within a musical context. The aim is to understand and computationally model the perception of effects, such as blend and segregation, created by the combining and contrasting of properties of traditional Western instruments which result from three auditory processes: concurrent, sequential, and segmental grouping. The initial aim was to evaluate the extent to which the symbolic data provided in a musical score provide sufficient data to model the perception of these orchestral effects. Preliminary implementations have achieved an average accuracy score of 81%, suggesting that perceptual effects of orchestration can be partially retrieved by calculations based on ASA principles using symbolic data. However, many cases indicate that including properties of the acoustic signal would enhance the predictive power. This approach also provides us with the means to investigate the relative weights of the different principles involved in these grouping processes in order to understand their relative importance in musical contexts. These findings contribute to the creation of a framework for studying and understanding the perceptual characteristics of orchestration practice.
Perception of melodies and triads at high frequencies
Authors: Guest Daniel R. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

Accurate pitch perception is possible for harmonic complex tones with fundamental frequencies (F0s) in the musical range (<4 kHz) even with all harmonics beyond the putative limits of phase locking (>6 kHz). However, it is unknown whether this basic pitch perception supports multiple simultaneous pitch perception. To address this, we measured (1) melody discrimination with and without a complex-tone masker and (2) major-minor discrimination for triads and arpeggios composed of complex tones with low (∼280 Hz) or high (∼1400 Hz) F0s. The tones were filtered to ensure that in high-F0 conditions only harmonics beyond the limits of phase locking were audible. Melody perception was poorer for isolated high-F0 tones than for isolated low-F0 tones, although performance was above chance in both cases. Adding a complex-tone masker in the same spectral region degraded performance for low- and high-F0 tones. Listeners could discriminate major and minor triads and arpeggios for low-F0 tones. For high-F0 tones, some listeners could discriminate major and minor arpeggios but none could discriminate major and minor triads. These results will help elucidate whether different mechanisms underlie the perception of combinations of complex tones at low and high frequencies. [Work supported by NIH R01DC005216 and NSF NRT-UtB1734815.]
Benefit of tonal context on relative pitch perception in musicians and non-musicians
Authors: Madsen Sara M. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

The ability to access pitch differences between successive notes is essential for recognition of melodies and enables the detection of wrong tones in a familiar melody. The ability to compare pitch interval size is generally poor when the tones are presented without context but might improve if embedded in a tonal context. The present study measured pitch interval discrimination and aimed to determine (1) the effect of tonal context (novel or familiar melody), (2) the effect of standard interval size (2 and 9 semitones) and (3) the effect of musical training including ear training. Musicians and non-musicians between 18 and 30 years were tested. The musicians had played/sung for at least 5 years, had at least 1 semester of ear training, and still played/sung. The non-musicians had played for maximum 5 years, never had ear training lessons, and did not currently play/sing. The preliminary results show a benefit of tonal context for context presented before but not after the target interval. The benefit of the musicians is similar for the familiar and novel melodies whereas the performance of the non-musicians is markedly better for familiar compared to novel melodies. Performance is generally better for the smaller standard interval.
Spectral integration in temporal gap detection extends to maskers too
Authors: Eddins David A. , Ozmeral Erol J. , Hoover Eric C. , Palandrani Katherine N. , Gallun Frederick J.
Published: December 2020

Temporal gap detection is associated with obligatory and nearly perfect spectral integration. The impact of competing background noise was to determine whether such integration also applies to simultaneously presented narrowband maskers. Gap markers were 0.5 octaves wide, centered at 2000 Hz, and presented at 85 dB SPL for 400 ms. In experiment 1, marker-to-masker ratios were infinite, 12, 9, or 6 dB, gap depth was fixed at 1.0 (typical) or 0.5 (to mitigate potential masker impacts on gap depth). Thresholds (ms) were longer for the 0.5 than the 1.0 depth and systematically decreased with increasing marker-to-masker ratio. In experiment 2, gap duration was fixed (30 ms) and gap depth was the independent variable. Thresholds (depth) improved with marker-to-masker ratio as in experiment 1, though the inter-subject variability was greater. Experiment 3 included a fixed marker-to-masker ratio (12 dB) and gap depth (0.75) while masker bandwidth varied from 0.75 to 4.0 octaves. Remarkably, thresholds (ms) increased markedly for masker bandwidths from 1.0 to 4.0 octaves. Results of experiments 1 and 2 were well predicted by a temporal modulation filterbank model. To capture the masker bandwidth effect of experiment 3, model modifications included summation across modulation filters. [Work supported by NIH R01DC015051; P01AG009524.]
Auditory distraction, capacity limitations, and target-distractor relationships under perceptual and cognitive loads
Authors: Lynch Erin E. , DiGiovanni Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2020

Auditory distraction occurs when unwanted sounds interfere with the perception or processing of target information. Cross-modal paradigms have identified target-distractor similarities, capacity limitations, and type of task load as factors that influence distractibility. Given the scarceness of data specific to the auditory domain, this study investigated contributions from these factors across four listening tasks varying in perceptual (PL) and cognitive load (CL). Thirty adults (M = 23.65 years) participated in all conditions and were divided into high- or low-working memory capacity (WMC) groups following a listening-span task. Targets were spoken-digits (1-through-9) and distractors were either “Standards” (80% of trials) or one of three “Deviants” (noise-bursts, consonants, spoken-digits; 20% of trials). Experiment 1, high-PL, and Experiment 4, high-CL, were the only two conditions yielding effects of WMC and distractors. Under high-PL, high-WMC group reaction times (RTs) were both longer overall (p = 0.026) and in the presence of spoken-digit distractors (p = 0.014). In contrast, under high-CL, low-WMC group RTs were longer overall (p < 0.01) and spoken-digit distractors affected both groups (p < 0.01). Experiments 2 and 3 shared low-PL and CL, resulting in no effects. Patterns suggest that load type for a given listening task drives how capacity limitations and target-distractor similarities impact auditory distractibility.
The addition of /l/ to the waveform model of vowels
Authors: Stokes Michael
Published: December 2020

Since its introduction, the Waveform Model of Vowel Perception and Production (Stokes, 2009) has achieved human perceptual performance on the data from two of the most cited publications in the literature (Stokes, 2011, 2014). The algorithm achieving human performance dramatically supports the Waveform Model (WM) logic, but there are phonemes not included in the Peterson and Barney (1952) data. Because of the familiarity, the Peterson and Barney (1952) data are used to illustrate the WM categories, but the WM must be able to accommodate phonemes such as /l/ to continue being a successful cognitive model. There are acoustic measurements reported for /l/, and these measurements fit perfectly into category 3 of the WM making it a natural categorical partner to /r/. Importantly, F3 measurements for /l/ are much higher than surrounding categorical vowels making it easily distinguishable from its neighbors and category 3 partner. This presentation will focus on /l/, but other phonemes appear to fit comfortably within the WM categorical pair framework as well. An algorithm is objective, and a perfect demonstration and defense of logic. Incorporating additional phonemes strengthens and extends the WM logic and programming.
Development of a non-parametric probabilistic model of the human middle ear
Authors: Lobato Lucas C. , Paul Stephan , Cordioli Júlio A.
Published: December 2020

The middle ear is the part of peripheral auditory system that works to transmit the sound energy from the outer to the inner ear, matching their highly different impedances. Due to its importance for the human hearing, the middle ear has been studied through mathematical models over the past 70 years. The use of deterministic approaches has been the mainstream on the development of these models despite it is well recognized that middle ear has a natural variability with respect to its mechanical and dynamical properties, kwon as random uncertainties. In this work a lumped-element model of the middle ear is used as a baseline deterministic model for the development of a probabilistic model using a non-parametric approach. This probabilistic approach is characterized by adding the uncertainties directly into the global matrices of the modeled system. Furthermore, an optimization process using a single objective function was used for fitting both probabilistic and baseline deterministic models. The probabilistic model developed presents promising results, showing statistical responses in agreement with experimental evidences. In addition, advantages were identified in comparison to a model previously developed with a parametric probabilistic approach.
Coronavirus creates a flu season guessing game
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2's interactions with other pathogens remain unknown as winter looms.
Pandemic's fallout on malaria control appears limited so far
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: December 2020

Countries avert disaster by resuming bed net campaigns.
Light harvesting in oxygenic photosynthesis: Structural biology meets spectroscopy
Authors: Croce Roberta , van Amerongen Herbert
Published: December 2020

Architectures for light harvesting

Conversion of light energy into chemical energy ultimately drives most biochemistry on earth. Photosynthetic organisms use diverse chemical and biological structures to harvest light in different environmental contexts. Croce and van Amerongen synthesized recent structural and spectroscopic work on photosystem complexes from oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. To best capture light, photosystems contain accessory light-harvesting complexes harboring complex networks of pigments that shuttle electronic excitations toward the core complex, which contains the reaction center. The arrangement of pigments and their connectivity, as seen in high-resolution x-ray and cryo–electron microscopy structures, inform our understanding of energy transfer rates derived from spectroscopic measurements and vice versa. The model that emerges is one of many parallel and unconnected pathways for energy transfer into the reaction center from the exterior light-harvesting complexes.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay2058
Regulation in common: Sponge to zebrafish
Authors: Harmston Nathan
Published: December 2020

Developmental enhancers from a sponge regulate gene expression in zebrafish neurons
Genome Sequence Data of Lactobacillus ruminis ICIS-540, Isolated from the Intestine of a Healthy Woman
Authors: Ivanova Elena V. , Bekpergenova Anastasia V. , Perunova Natalia B. , Andryuschenko Sergey V. , Bondarenko Taisia A. , Bukharin Oleg V.
Published: December 2020

Data on the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus ruminis
ICIS-540 are presented in this report. This
Lactobacillus
strain was isolated from the human colon as a prospective probiotic candidate. The genome size was 2,397,517 bp (G+C content of 42.7%). Annotation revealed 2,847 coding sequences, including 2,573 proteins.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Natural
Pseudomonas
Isolates That Catabolize a Wide Range of Aromatic Compounds Relevant to Lignin Valorization
Authors: Hatmaker E. Anne , Presley Gerald N. , Cannon Olivia N. , Michener Joshua K. , Guss Adam M. , Elkins James G.
Published: December 2020

Many soil microorganisms have evolved catabolic strategies to utilize phenolic compounds arising from depolymerized lignin. We report the complete genome sequences of four
Pseudomonas
sp. isolates that demonstrated robust growth on a wide range of aromatic monomers and dimers that are relevant to the valorization of lignin into value-added chemicals.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Stenotrophomonas
sp. Strain SbOxS2, an Antimony-Oxidizing Bacterium Isolated from Stibnite Mine Tailing Soil
Authors: Hamamura Natsuko , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Yamamura Shigeki
Published: December 2020

The antimony-oxidizing
Stenotrophomonas
sp. strain SbOxS2 was isolated from stibnite mine tailing soil. The draft genome sequence of strain SbOxS2 comprises 4.76 Mbp with 4,211 predicted protein-coding sequences. This genome will provide useful information for characterizing the molecular mechanisms associated with heavy metal resistance within the genus
Stenotrophomonas
.
SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases: an umbrella review of systematic reviews
Authors: Shao Shih-Chieh , Kuo Liang-Tseng , Chien Rong-Nan , Hung Ming-Jui , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been reported to benefit liver functions in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study is to critically appraise existing systematic reviews in order to consolidate evidence associating the use of SGLT2 inhibitors with beneficial hepatic results for patients with T2D with NAFLD.

Methods

This umbrella review searched relevant published systematic reviews of clinical trials from PubMed and Embase between inception and September 16, 2020. Two independent investigators appraised study quality using AMSTAR2 (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2). The hepatic effects from SGLT2 inhibitors were summarized based on liver enzymes, liver fat, liver histology, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Results

Of 25 screened potential systematic reviews, we ultimately included 7 in this study. However, none of them could be rated as being of high methodological quality. Five systematic reviews indicated that SGLT2 inhibitors could effectively decrease liver fat and liver parameters of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in patients with NAFLD. Two systematic reviews indicated that SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce hepatosteatosis, as supported by biopsy-proven evidence of improvement from a small clinical trial, but no evidence of liver fibrosis improvement was found.

Conclusions

There is some association between SGLT2 inhibitor use and observed benefits to liver functions in patients with T2D with NAFLD, although the quality of current systematic reviews remains relatively low. Further evaluation of long-term liver outcomes with SGLT2 inhibitors in cases of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer is warranted.
Is hackathon in oncology a plausible way to foster innovation? An experiential narrative account of conducting Hacking Cancer
Authors: Lewis Shirley , Rao Chythra R , Shenoy Padmaja Ananth , Salins Naveen , Viveganandan Rangan , Shanbhag Arun , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Prabhu Krishnananda , Rao Sharath K
Published: December 2020

Background

Hackathons are a popular trend in the technology domain and is considered a powerful tool to spur creativity and innovation. In a health hackathon, an interdisciplinary team of health, technology and management experts work collaboratively to solve a common problem. Health hackathon can be one of the quickest means to derive technology or process-based solutions to the challenges faced by clinicians.

Methods

A 2-day hackathon: Hacking Cancer was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre in India to develop quick, cost-effective solutions in cancer care. Twelve oncology-related problem statements were explored. Undergraduate and postgraduate students of health and dental sciences, pharmacy, nursing, engineering and business management were the participants.

Outcomes

One hundred and fifty-seven participants expressed interest, and 90 participated in the event. The participants did a time-bound exploration of 12 challenges in oncology elucidated problem statements. The oncology specialists mentored the participants during the hackathon. Seventeen teams presented their solutions. Judges reviewed the solutions and scored the teams based on feasibility, relevance and applicability. The top-scoring three projects were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) better-improving adherence to treatment in ALL patients, Donate Life—application for voluntary blood donation and Lumiflex—a novel illuminated flexible abdominal retractor. They received seed funding to develop prototypes and implement their ideas.

Conclusion

Hacking Cancer was an effective way of developing quick, cost-effective solutions to the common problems faced in cancer care. The pool of local participants developed solutions that were relevant and applicable to the practice setting. This one was the first oncology themed hackathon in the country.
Antidepressant-like effects of a new dihydro isoquinoline and its chemical precursors in mice: involvement of serotonin and dopaminergic systems
Authors: Porras-Ramírez Javier , Estrada-Reyes Rosa , Rodríguez-Zavala José Salud , Dorantes-Barrón Ana Maria , Jurado-Hernández Noé , Martínez-Vázquez Mariano
Published: December 2020

This study was aimed to synthesize novel 2-(2-bromophenyl)-N-phenethylacetamides and benzylisoquinoline (BIQ) derivatives to be evaluated as antidepressant-like agents in mice. The phenethylacetamides derivatives were synthesized by coupling aromatic amides to the backbone of 2-bromophenylacetyl chloride. The synthesis of BIQ was achieved by the reaction between synthesized phenethylacetamides and 2-chloropyridine. The structures of compounds were established mainly by 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Those compounds obtained with moderate to good yields were evaluated as antidepressant-like agents in the forced swim test and the open field paradigms in mice. The possible mechanism of those active derivatives was explored by antagonist experiments in combination with p-chloro-phenylalanine methyl ester, reserpine, sulpiride, and dopamine D1 antagonist SCH23390. Also, MAO A and B inhibition assays were performed. Docking studies between the human dopamine D3 receptor and the higher active compound were performed. The results showed that the (2-bromophenyl)-(3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-1-yl)methanone (4a) presented the most potent antidepressant-like effects without modifying the ambulatory activity of experimental mice. Antagonist experiments showed that 4a acted on the serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Docking studies indicated a strong affinity between the human dopamine D3 receptor and 4a. Our results showed that BIQ 4a has an antidepressant-like effect that is possibly mediated by an interaction with the presynaptic serotonin receptors and dopaminergic, D1, D2, and D3, receptors. This study highlights the pharmacological potential of halogenated BIQs in the treatment of some depressive disorders.
Observational constraints and stability in viscous gravity
Authors: Rezaei T. Mirzaei , Amani Alireza , Yusofi E. , Rouhani S. , Ramzanpour M.A.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text] gravity model in the presence of bulk viscosity by the flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker metric. The field equation is obtained by teleparallel gravity with a tetrad field. The universe components are considered matter and dark energy, with the dark energy component associated with viscous [Formula: see text] gravity. After calculating the Friedmann equations, we obtain the energy density, pressure, and equation of state of dark energy in terms of the redshift parameter. Afterward, we plot the corresponding cosmological parameters versus the redshift parameter and examine the accelerated expansion of the universe. In the end, we explore the system stability using a function called the speed sound parameter.
EARLY PREDICTION OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH USING FRACTAL DIMENSION AND ECG SIGNALS
Authors: PIÑA-VEGA ROGELIO , VALTIERRA-RODRIGUEZ MARTIN , PEREZ-RAMIREZ CARLOS A. , AMEZQUITA-SANCHEZ JUAN P.
Published: December 2020

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is deemed as one of the main causes of death in humans. Therefore, the prediction of an SCD event will help people to receive timely treatment, allowing saving their life. In this sense, this paper introduces a new methodology based on the adroit fusion of fractal dimension (FD) algorithms and a fuzzy logic system for predicting an SCD event automatically. Five FD implementations are investigated in this work: Katz’s FD, Sevcik’s FD, Box’s FD, Higuchi’s FD, and Petrosian’s FD, in order to evaluate the geometrical complexity in electrocardiogram signals of 20 patients with SCD and 18 patients with a normal cardiac rhythm offered by Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital. The results indicate that the FD-based methodology can predict an SCD event up to 60[Formula: see text]min before the onset, reaching an accuracy of 91.54%.
A multi-modal fusion of features method based on deep belief networks to diagnosis schizophrenia disease
Authors: Masoudi Babak , Daneshvar Sabalan , Razavi Seyed Naser
Published: December 2020

Computer-based diagnostics of schizophrenia (SZ) have been recently the subject of intense interest. Some recent studies have shown promising results in the diagnosis of this disorder by the process and analysis of neuroimaging data, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Each of these neuroimaging data provides different brain structural and functional features that integrating them can help accurately diagnose brain disorders. In this study, we propose a deep learning architecture to combine functional brain data with two different types of structural brain data to accurately diagnose SZ. Our two-step model consists of deep belief networks (DBN) and a fusing rule to extract and learn hidden features via the combining resting-state fMRI with both sMRI and DTI data. We examine this architecture on all combinations of features extracted from fMRI, MRI and DTI. The experimental results indicate that multi-modal fusion improved classification accuracy between the SZ and the healthy cases. By finding a suitable configuration for algorithm parameters, the proposed method showed an accuracy level of 99.36% for the COBRE dataset and outperformed similar state-of-the-art works.
Mutant Allele Imbalance in Cancer
Authors: Bielski Craig M. , Taylor Barry S.
Published: December 2020

The search for somatic mutations that drive the initiation and progression of human tumors has dominated recent cancer research. While much emphasis has been placed on characterizing the prevalence and function of driver mutations, comparatively less is known about their serial genetic evolution. Indeed, study of this phenomenon has largely focused on tumor-suppressor genes recessive at the cellular level or mechanisms of resistance in tumors with mutant oncogenes targeted by therapy. There is, however, a growing appreciation that despite a decades-old presumption of heterozygosity, changes in mutant oncogene zygosity are common and drive dosage and stoichiometry changes that lead to selective growth advantages. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding mutant allele imbalance and its implications for tumor biology, cancer evolution, and response to anticancer therapy.
Simultaneous Monitoring of Structural Changes and Phase Distribution of LiFePO4 Along the Cathode Thickness of Li Metal Polymer Battery
Authors: Blanco Maria Valeria , Devaux Didier , Valtavirta Anna-Maija , Cosculluela Carlos , Watier Yves , Quazuguel Lucille , Deschamps Marc , Lecuyer Margaud , Bouchet Renaud , Cova Federico
Published: December 2020

Probing the structural changes that electrode materials undergo during electrochemical cycling while monitoring their spatial distribution within the volume gives valuable insights on dynamic processes, i.e. side reactions and evolution of phase migration barriers, often associated to capacity and power limitation. In this work, we present an electrochemical cell to perform spatial and time resolved operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction on Lithium (Li) metal polymer batteries operating at 80 °C. A 3.2 mm diameter battery made of a Li metal anode, a LiFePO4 based cathode, and a solid polymer electrolyte acting as separator, is placed inside a glass-based casing and cycled at a beamline. The cylindrical cell geometry with its small size enables to follow the phase transformations occurring at different states of charge and at different cathode heights. It is possible to create spatially resolved phase distribution plots and to differentiate active material structural changes occurring close to the interface with the electrolyte from those at the current collector vicinity. The results provide a direct observation of the Li diffusion in the LiFePO4 and FePO4 phase distribution. In addition, synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT) measurements were performed to obtain phase distribution maps at different heights of the battery assembly.
One-Step Solvothermal Preparation of Mn-Doped VO2(B) Nanosheets for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Peng , Koch Robert J. , Ladonis Alec C. , Misture Scott T.
Published: December 2020

Pure and Mn-doped VO2(B) nanosheets were prepared using a simple one-step solvothermal reaction with V2O5 and H2O2 as precursors with Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O added directly into the precursor solution to obtain the Mn-doped variant. The powder morphology, local structures and cation oxidation states were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-energy X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical properties were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The Mn-doped VO2(B) nanosheet sample, comprising a mixed phase of two polymorphs of VO2, exhibits 80% higher capacitance at 2 mV s−1 scan rate, 2X smaller charge transfer resistance, and much improved cyclic stability compared with pure VO2(B). The improved electrochemical response is attributed to the enhanced mass transfer kinetics due to slightly differing microstructures and formation of more varied oxidation states of the V and Mn ions such that the charged defects increase the electrical conductivity and charge transfer efficiency.
Effect of Electrolyte Concentration on Epitaxial Growth of ZnO on Cu Substrates through Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Dai Dajin , Yao Wan-Tung , Yan Tao , Chang Liuwen
Published: December 2020

The roles of zinc and nitrate ions in the electrochemical growth of ZnO were examined in this study. ZnO was deposited on a polycrystalline Cu substrate from electrolyte containing 0.0025–0.08 M zinc nitrate and 0.1–2.0 M potassium nitrate. The morphology, epitaxial orientation relationship, interfacial microstructure, and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the ZnO deposits were characterized. The ZnO morphology was found to be controlled mostly by the zinc ion concentration in the electrolyte. Here, 50–400 nm wide hexagonal pillars were deposited from electrolyte with potassium nitrate concentration as high as 0.4 M. All the deposited films had strong 〈0001〉//ND fibre texture. Most of the ZnO crystallites were grown epitaxially on Cu grains regardless of the electrolyte concentration. The major epitaxial orientation relationship was identified as (0001)ZnO//(103)Cu and [11

2

¯

0]ZnO//[010]Cu, and three other epitaxial orientation relationships were also identified. Samples consisting of nanopillars or plates exhibited excellent PL characteristics with near bandgap–deep level emission intensity ratios of 2.4–4.3 and full width at half maximum of the NBE peak of 122–131 meV.
Electrolytic Formation of Solid Crystalline UO2–ThO2 and UO2–ThO2–ZrO2 Solutions from Salt Melts
Authors: Krotov V. Ye. , Filatov Ye. S.
Published: December 2020

For the first time, crystalline solid solutions of UO2–ThO2 and UO2–ThO2–ZrO2 have been electrolytically prepared. The mechanism of their formation in molten halides is presented. The influence of the electrolysis current density on the compositions of the cathode deposits has been established and explained. We also established the effect of zirconium ions on the ThO2 content in the UO2–ThO2–ZrO2 cathode deposits.
The Zn2+ Destabilized Surface Film and Accelerated Corrosion of Magnesium
Authors: Huang Jufeng , Song Guang-Ling , Wang Ziming , Zhu Yixing , Zheng Dajiang
Published: December 2020

The effect of Zn2+ ions on the corrosion of pure magnesium (Mg) in NaCl solutions was systematically investigated by means of hydrogen evolution, weight loss, surface analysis, polarization curve and solution pH measurements. It was found that the presence of Zn2+ ions in the solution could significantly accelerate the dissolution of Mg. A new mechanism of surface film destabilization was proposed for the detrimental effect of Zn2+ on Mg corrosion, aiming to provide insight into the corrosion behavior of Zn-containing Mg alloys and the galvanic corrosion of Mg alloys coupled by Zn alloys.
Corrosion Protection in Chloride Environments of Nanosilica Containing Epoxy Powder Coatings with Defects
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez María , Velasco Francisco , Bautista Asunción , Gonzalez-Garcia Yaiza , Galiana Beatriz
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the use of innovative, nanosilica containing epoxy powder coatings for the corrosion protection of steel. Two types of nanosilica particles (hydrophilic -HL- and hydrophobic -HB-) were mixed by ball milling with the powders (0.75 wt.%). The adequate homogeneity and embedding of nanoparticles were verified by transmission electron microscopy. The corrosion performance of the coatings as-received, and with HL and HB additions, were analyzed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions. The mechanism and rate of delamination of defective coatings under drops simulating atmospheric conditions were analyzed by Scanning Kelvin Probe measurements for 30 d. The results show that the corrosion attack progresses through a cathodic delamination mechanism. Besides, fully-immersed samples, with and without defects, were monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In defective coatings under these conditions, the occurrence of anodic undermining is proved. The results obtained reveal that the corrosion driven coating failure is delayed in the case of the epoxy coatings containing nanosilica. This delay is larger in the case of HB additions than HL additions in both atmospheric and immersion conditions. The corrosion mechanism observed is dependent upon exposure conditions. It is proposed that the nanoparticles delay water absorption, thus delaying corrosion attack.
Liproxstatin-1 Protects Hair Cell-Like HEI-OC1 Cells and Cochlear Hair Cells against Neomycin Ototoxicity
Authors: Zheng Zhiwei , Tang Dongmei , Zhao Liping , Li Wen , Han Jinghong , Hu Bing , Nie Guohui , He Yingzi
Published: December 2020

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered iron-dependent form of oxidative programmed cell death distinct from caspase-dependent apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of ferroptosis in neomycin-induced hair cell loss by using selective ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1). Cell viability was identified by CCK8 assay. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by DCFH-DA and cellROX green staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by TMRM staining. Intracellular iron and lipid peroxides were detected with Mito-FerroGreen and Liperfluo probes. We found that ferroptosis can be induced in both HEI-OC1 cells and neonatal mouse cochlear explants, as evidenced by Mito-FerroGreen and Liperfluo staining. Further experiments showed that pretreatment with Lip-1 significantly alleviated neomycin-induced increased ROS generation and disruption inΔΨmin the HEI-OC1 cells. In parallel, Lip-1 significantly attenuated neomycin-induced hair cell damage in neonatal mouse cochlear explants. Collectively, these results suggest a novel mechanism for neomycin-induced ototoxicity and suggest that ferroptosis inhibition may be a new clinical intervention to prevent hearing loss.
The Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity, and miRNA Expression in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Seedlings
Authors: Plaksenkova Ilona , Kokina Inese , Petrova Anastasija , Jermaļonoka Marija , Gerbreders Vjačeslavs , Krasovska Marina
Published: December 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are one of the most commonly engineered nanomaterials and necessarily enter the environment because of the large quantities produced and their widespread application. Understanding the impacts of nanoparticles on plant growth and development is crucial for the assessment of probable environmental risks to food safety and human health, because plants are a fundamental living component of the ecosystem and the most important source in the human food chain. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles on barley Hordeum vulgare L. seed germination, seedling morphology, root cell viability, stress level, genotoxicity, and expression of miRNAs. The results demonstrate that zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance barley seed germination, shoot/root elongation, and H2O2 stress level and decrease root cell viability and genomic template stability and up- and downregulated miRNAs in barley seedlings.
Isolation and Characterization of Coronavirus and Rotavirus Associated with Calves in Central Part of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Umer , Dawo Fufa , Tesfaye Asamino , Ahmednur Munera
Published: December 2020

Background. Coronavirus and rotavirus are most commonly associated etiologies for calves’ diarrhoea, resulting in loss of productivity and economy of farmers. However, various facets of diarrheal disease caused by coronavirus and rotavirus in calves in Ethiopia are inadequately understood. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of isolation and molecular characterization of coronavirus and rotavirus from calves in the central part of Oromia (Bishoftu, Sebata, Holeta, and Addis Ababa), Ethiopia, from November 2018 to May 2019. The four study areas were purposively selected and faecal samples were collected by simple random sampling for diagnosis of coronavirus and rotavirus infection by using the antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) kit. In addition, this study was carried out to have insight in prevalence and associated risk factors of coronavirus and rotavirus infection in calves. Result. During the study, 83 diarrheic and 162 nondiarrheic faecal samples collected from calves less than 4 weeks of age were screened for coronavirus and rotavirus. Of the 83 diarrheic samples, 1 sample (1.2%) was positive for coronavirus antigen and 6 samples (7.2%) were found to be positive for rotavirus antigen by Ag-ELISA. All the nondiarrheic samples were negative for both coronavirus and rotavirus Ag. The overall prevalence of coronavirus and rotavirus infection in calves was estimated at 0.4% (1/245) and 2.45% (6/245), respectively. All samples (7) of ELISA test positive of both coronavirus and rotavirus were propagated in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. After 3 subsequent passages, progressive cytopathic effect (CPE), i.e., rounding, detachment, and the destruction of monolayer cell of five samples (1 sample of coronavirus and 4 samples of rotavirus) (71.4%) were observed. At the molecular stage, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to determine the presence of coronavirus and rotavirus nucleic acid by using specific primers. The 5 samples that were coronavirus and rotavirus antigen positive by ELISA and develop CPE on cell culture were also positive on RT-PCR technique. The prevalence of infection peaked at 1st and 2nd weeks of age in male calves. Conclusion. Diarrheal disease caused by coronavirus and rotavirus has a great health problem in calves that interrupts production benefits with reduced weight gain and increased mortality and its potential for zoonotic spread. So, the present findings show coronavirus and rotavirus infection in calves in Ethiopia that needs to be addressed by practising early colostrum feeding in newborn calves, using vaccine, or improving livestock management.
Common Fixed-Point Results in Ordered Left (Right) Quasi-
b
-Metric Spaces and Applications
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Shil Sourav , Garai Hiranmoy , Dey Lakshmi Kanta , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: December 2020

We use the notions of left- and right-complete quasi-

b

-metric spaces and partial ordered sets to obtain a couple of common fixed-point results for strictly weakly isotone increasing mappings and relatively weakly increasing mappings, which satisfy a pair of almost generalized contractive conditions. To illustrate our results, throughout the paper, we give several relevant examples. Further, we use our results to establish sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of solution of a system of nonlinear matrix equations and a pair of fractional differential equations. Finally, we provide a nontrivial example to validate the sufficient conditions for nonlinear matrix equations with numerical approximations.