bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ba1-xRexCo2ZnxFe16-xO27 W-type Hexaferrite prepared by Ball Milling Method
Authors: Dmour Mohammad K. , Al-Hwaitat Eman S. , Bsoul Ibrahim , Mahmood Sami H.
Published: May 2020

Rare earth substituted W-type hexaferrites were prepared by mixing and ball milling starting powders with molar ratios consistent with the stoichiometry of Ba1-xRexCo2ZnxFe16-xO27 (Re is a rare-earth element; x = 0.1 and 0.2), pelletizing, and sintering 1300° C. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a pure W-type phase in all samples, except in the Nd-Zn (x = 0.1) substituted sample which revealed the presence of an impurity α-Fe2O3 nonmagnetic phase. The crystallization of the W-type phase in all samples was further confirmed by the characteristic Curie temperature ranging between 476° C and 484° C as revealed by the thermomagnetic measurements. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed the variations of the particle size and morphology, and porosity of the prepared samples. The magnetic measurements indicated that the RE–Zn substitution improved the saturation magnetization slightly relative to the un-substituted Co2W hexaferrite, and resulted in a decrease of the coercivity and magnetocrystalline anisotropy field. In addition, the peaks below 300° C in the thermomagnetic curves is an indication of the occurrence of spin reorientation transitions in the prepared hexaferrites.
Fracture of the anterior tibial tuberosity in children
Authors: Rodriguez Ignacio , Sepúlveda Matías , Birrer Estefanía , Tuca María Jesús
Published: May 2020

Fractures of the anterior tibial tuberosity during childhood are an infrequent pathology (around 3% of all proximal tibial fractures), but the incidence of this injury has risen over recent years, likely due to the increased involvement of this age group in sports activities. This fracture is more commonly seen in children 12–14 years old. It is vital to identify the anatomical structures associated with this type of fracture, along with the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Treatment includes non-operative and operative options, with the goal of achieving articular congruency, restoring the extensor mechanism function, and avoiding damage to the proximal tibial physis. Understanding the management of this fracture, and the complications that might arise, is critical. The provision of an appropriate clinical management plan and the avoidance of complications are vital in the prevention of disability.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:260-267. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190026
Summary of knee implant one, three, five, and 10-year revision risk reported by national and regional arthroplasty registries: a valuable source of evidence for clinical decision-making
Authors: Foster Colby , Posada Christopher , Pack Bryan , Hallstrom Brian R. , Hughes Richard E.
Published: May 2020

Optimal implant selection is a major component of high-quality arthroplasty care, and revision risk is an important parameter characterizing knee arthroplasty implant clinical performance. National and regional arthroplasty registries are essential sources of revision risk data, but these data are often difficult to find because they are buried within extensive annual reports. Summarizing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant revision risks as presented in registry reports can maximize the usefulness of registry data for orthopaedic surgeons. The findings summarize the revision risk data found in national arthroplasty reports from the Australian, Danish, Finnish, and the England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man registries, and in regional arthroplasty reports from the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italty), and the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) registries. The six supplemental summary tables present revision risk data for TKA implants by cemented, uncemented, hybrid, and unreported fixation types. Additional summary tables are presented for revision risk of unicondylar (UKA) and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) revisions. Within TKA fixation categories, revision risks at 10 years ranged from 2.4% to 35.7% (cemented), 2.8% to 25.0% (uncemented), 2.0% to 9.2% (hybrid), and 0.0% to 39.7% (unreported). Unicondylar 10-year revision risk ranged from 4.9% to 17.2%. Patellofemoral joint 10-year revision risk ranged from 15.2% to 21.7%. There is substantial variation in one, three, five, and 10-year revision risk across implants, which suggests surgeons should choose implants carefully.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:268-272. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190053
Paediatric olecranon fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Holme Thomas J. , Karbowiak Marta , Arnander Magnus , Gelfer Yael
Published: May 2020

The optimal management and long-term outcomes of olecranon fractures in the paediatric population is not well understood. This systematic review aims to analyse the literature on the management of paediatric olecranon fractures and the long-term implications. A systematic review of several databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. English-language studies evaluating the management of isolated paediatric olecranon fractures were included. Data extracted included demographics, classifications, conservative and operative treatment methods and outcomes. Fifteen articles fitting the inclusion criteria were included. There were 11 case series and four retrospective comparative series. The reported studies included 299 fractures in 280 patients. The mechanism of injury was predominantly low energy. Fractures displaced < 4 mm were treated non-operatively with almost universally good results, with the majority being treated with cast immobilization. Fractures displaced > 4 mm were commonly treated operatively with generally good results, with tension band wire and suture fixation being the most common treatment modalities. Weight > 50 kg was associated with failure of suture fixation. In those studies that reported olecranon fractures with associated elbow injuries (e.g. radial head fractures) outcomes were poorer. Forty-six fractures were in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, who sustained a higher rate of re-fracture after removal of metalwork and contralateral olecranon fracture. Despite a relatively low evidence base pool of studies, the aggregate data support the non-operative treatment of isolated undisplaced olecranon fractures with good results, and support the operative treatment of fractures displaced ≥ 4 mm.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:280-288. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190082
Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Vibratory Harvester for Tree Fruit
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Chen Kaizhan , Ma Zenghong , Wu Chuanyu , Zhang Guofeng
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Three-dimensional excitation response of tree can be generated by orthogonal eccentric blocks.

The three-dimensional vibratory harvester prototype was built, and the vibration response and harvesting test were carried out.

Three-dimensional excitation applied to single main branch of the tree can result in high vibration on the whole tree. 

Abstract. To solve the problems associated with the mechanical harvesting of fruit, improve the harvesting efficiency, and reduce the damage to trees in the process of harvesting, a three-dimensional shaking mechanism with orthogonal eccentric blocks was designed. Three-dimensional excitation is generated to ensure that the fruit trees are subjected to noncircular excitation forces in different directions and further improve the fruit harvesting percentage. Firstly, the overall structure of the three-dimensional shaking mechanism with orthogonal eccentric blocks was designed, and the steady state response of the vibration system was obtained by establishing the dynamics model of the shaking mechanism-tree system. According to the vibration amplitude of the fruit tree under the action of three-dimensional shaking mechanism, the mass moment of the eccentric blocks, which are the key parts of the harvester, was determined to be 0.56 kg·m, and the size of the eccentric blocks was calculated. The hydraulic motors and cylinders that drive the shaking mechanism of the harvester were specified. Then a vibratory harvester prototype was assembled, and a vibration response test was carried out. The results showed that different branches of the test tree could obtain large acceleration magnitudes with low dispersion degree, which verified the effectiveness of the three-dimensional vibratory harvester. Finally, a harvesting test was conducted on a grapefruit tree. When the speed of the hydraulic motor to drive the shaking mechanism was 470 rev·min-1 and the shaking time was 10 s, the harvesting percentage reached 76.5%. Keywords: Acceleration response, Fruit harvester, Hydraulic system, Orthogonal eccentric blocks, Three-dimensional shaking mechanism.
Comparison of Drying Rates of Ground Western Red Cedar with Hemlock, Birch, Aspen, and Spruce/Pine/Douglas Fir
Authors: Rezaei Hamid , Lim Jim , Sokhansanj Shahab
Published: May 2020

Highlights

WRC and SPF generate the largest fraction of small particles (<0.5 mm) during grinding.

WRC is slightly low in total sugars, high in lignin content (should make durable pellets), and high in extractives.

Aspen followed by WRC has the highest drying rate and the shortest drying time amongst all samples.

Smoke point is similar for all wood species and is ~180°C.

Abstract.Western red cedar () and yellow cedar () are among the most valuable tree species in British Columbia. These species make up about 20% of the coastal timber volumes and mostly are used as lumber for construction applications where resistance against decay is important. The use of red cedar for pellet production has been uncertain because it appears cedar has a tendency to cause fires in rotary drum dryers when compared to other wood species like pine and Douglas Fir. The scientific reasons for the reported fire incident are not known. The goal of the current study is to investigate the drying rates and the range of combustion temperature for western red cedar and five other wood species that either are used or have potential to be used for palletization purposes in British Columbia. Red cedar and Spruce/Pine/Fir (SPF) generate the largest fraction of small particles (<0.5 mm) during grinding. Almost 93% of cedar particles are less than 1 mm. Cedar has a high carbon content and low oxygen content that causes cedar has higher calorific value than other species. During a drying process, aspen following by cedar has the highest drying rate and the shortest drying time amongst all samples. The smoke point is similar for all wood species and is ~180°C. So, in the case of high temperature drying (beyond the smoke point) of mixed feedstocks with similar size, red cedar dries faster and starts smoking at dryer output. Keywords: Chemical composition, Drying rate, Physical characterization, Smoke point, Western red cedar.
Phosphorus Removal from Manure by Mechanical Separation using Salt and Polymers: Theoretical Simulations and Experimental Data
Authors: Christensen Morten Lykkegaard , Keiding Kristian , Christensen Peter Vittrup
Published: May 2020

Abstract.

Full-scale separation apparatuses were used to process mink and sow manure. Mink manure was pretreated with iron sulfate and polymer; pig manure was pretreated with only polymer. Testing was done to study how adding chemicals affected phosphorus removal. Chemical equilibrium simulations show that raw manure contains several minerals, i.e., struvite, calcium phosphate, and vivianite. The estimated mass of struvite fit well with the amount of magnesium measured in the solid material. The amount of calcium phosphate precipitation depended on the stability constant of the complexes of organic material and calcium ions, estimated at pK = 3.5–4. With polymer addition, it was possible to remove mineral-bound phosphorus but not organic-bound phosphorus and orthophosphate. With iron salt addition, it was possible to remove both phosphorus minerals and dissolved orthophosphate. The molar ratio between orthophosphate and iron ions in the precipitate was measured to be 2:3. These data fit well with the chemical equilibrium simulations, which predicted that vivianite would form when the iron ion concentration increased. The simulation also indicated that the amount of struvite decreased slightly with iron addition. Keywords: Coagulation, Flocculation, Solid-liquid separation, Vivianite, Wastewater.
An eye to the future
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: May 2020

Novel virus: new problems and new lessons.
Should implementation of new health technology in low- and middle-income countries follow the same guidelines as multinational drug trials?
Authors: Niyitegeka J , Patel R
Published: May 2020

One size fits all isn’t always the case.
Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery simulation training using short-stature adult cadavers: a feasibility study
Authors: James HK , Thomas S , Pattison GTR
Published: May 2020

‘See it now, avoid it later’... the educational impact of practising surgical approaches on cadavers.
Situação linguística do português em São Tomé e Príncipe
Authors: Santiago Ana Maria , Agostinho Ana Lívia
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho pretende discutir a situação linguística do português em São Tomé e Príncipe, situado no Golfo da Guiné. São Tomé e Príncipe é um país multilíngue, onde línguas crioulas de base portuguesa convivem com variedades locais de português, compondo uma ecologia linguística de grande complexidade e fortemente marcada pelo contato linguístico de línguas tipologicamente diferentes. Apresentaremos as características sócio-históricas da situação de contato em São Tomé e Príncipe e discutiremos a situação linguística atual e o papel do português neste contexto.
Produção dos róticos em sequências consonantais [CR] e [RC] no português de contato com o pomerano
Authors: Silva Felipe Bilharva da
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho investiga a influência do pomerano na produção dos segmentos róticos em sequências consonantais [CR] e [RC] no português falado no município de São Lourenço do Sul (RS). Para tanto, são analisadas as produções de dez participantes, cinco delas bilíngues, falantes do português e do pomerano, e cinco monolíngues, falantes do português, constituindo o grupo controle. Foram realizados três experimentos para produção dos dados: descrição de imagens, nomeação de imagens e leitura de palavras. Esses experimentos perpassavam um continuum de estilo, no qual o primeiro emulava um ambiente mais naturalístico, a fim de observar um registro mais natural da fala; o segundo e o terceiro experimentos, por sua vez, apresentavam um controle mais experimental, em que os itens lexicais foram previamente selecionados, distribuídos de acordo com as variáveis posição do rótico, ponto de articulação de C, vozeamento de C, tonicidade e vogal nuclear da sílaba. Assim, obteve-se um número de produções regular entre as participantes, bem como controlou-se a atuação de variáveis linguísticas. Os resultados revelaram emprego quase categórico do tepe na posição pré-vocálica, tanto no grupo bilíngue quanto no monolíngue. Na posição pós-vocálica, por outro lado, verificou-se que, enquanto as monolíngues produziram número elevado de tepes, as bilíngues demonstraram grande variação, produzindo em número considerável de vibrantes múltiplas, aproximantes e fricativas palato-alveolares desvozeadas. O Teste de Qui-Quadrado com resíduos padronizados detectou uma correlação entre o emprego dessas variantes e o grupo bilíngue. Além disso, detectou uma correlação entre o emprego do tepe e o grupo monolíngue. Propôs-se, como conclusão, que o pomerano exerceu influência sobre esses resultados, dado que, na língua de imigração, o tepe não ocupa a posição pós-vocálica, o que pode ter influenciado os falantes a evitar o emprego dessa variante na posição de coda.
Reações subjetivas de estudantes da cidade de Tucano-BA às variantes não padrão da concordância verbal
Authors: Sousa Nilton Carlos Carmo , Araújo Silvana Silva de Farias
Published: May 2020

Este artigo com base teórica na Sociolinguística (WEINREICH; LABOV; HERZOG, 2006[1968]) e na Psicologia Social (LAMBERT; LAMBERT, 1968) apresenta as reações subjetivas de estudantes da Educação Básica do município de Tucano, interior da Bahia, Brasil, sobre as variantes não padrão da concordância verbal. Com base em entrevistas e em aplicação de questionários, objetivou-se analisar a avaliação social de normas não padrão da primeira pessoa do plural (P4) e da terceira pessoa do plural (P6). Para isso, foram entrevistados oito estudantes do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental Anos Finais, oriundos de espaços geográficos diferentes: quatro da zona rural e quatro da zona urbana. Os resultados indicam que, mesmo havendo características comuns aos dois grupos, a exemplo de os dois estarem matriculados no mesmo ano escolar, estudarem em escolas públicas e terem a mesma faixa etária, a localidade (rural-urbana) condicionou as reações subjetivas, evidenciando os participantes da localidade rural como utentes da língua mais críticos e detentores de uma avaliação sociolinguística mais aflorada.
Developmental Trajectories of Adaptive Behavior From Toddlerhood to Middle Childhood in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tomaszewski Brianne , Hepburn Susan , Blakeley-Smith Audrey , Rogers Sally J.
Published: May 2020

Longitudinal growth modeling was utilized to examine adaptive behavior over eight years across the three time points (i.e., ages 2−10). Seventy-six parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales interviews of adaptive behavior. Child participants completed standardized developmental testing and an executive function task in toddlerhood and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule across all time points. Growth models were specified for communication, daily living skills, and socialization domains of adaptive behavior. Mental age in toddlerhood was a significant predictor of trajectories of communication, daily living skills, and socialization. Executive function and autism severity were significant predictors of socialization. Findings suggest executive function as a potential target for promoting the growth of adaptive behavior skills in addition to autism symptomology.
Do Functional Analyses Probe Learning Histories, Or Create Them? An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Lambert Joseph M. , Houchins-Juárez Nealetta J.
Published: May 2020

During functional analysis (FA), therapists arrange contingencies between potential reinforcers and problem behavior. It is unclear whether this fact, in and of itself, facilitates problem behavior's acquisition of new (false-positive) functions. If problem behavior can come under the control of contingencies contrived between it and known reinforcers for which there is no direct history, then outcomes of reinforcer analysis (RA) should perfectly predict FA outcomes. This study evaluated the degree to which RA outcomes corresponded with FA outcomes for eight participants referred to a university-based outpatient clinic for problem behavior. For 75% (6 of 8) of participants, correspondence was imperfect. These findings appear to support the construct validity of contemporary interpretations of FA data.
Semi-supervised deep learning based 3D analysis of the peripapillary region
Authors: Heisler Morgan , Bhalla Mahadev , Lo Julian , Mammo Zaid , Lee Sieun , Ju Myeong Jin , Beg Mirza Faisal , Sarunic Marinko V.
Published: May 2020

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become an essential tool in the
evaluation of glaucoma, typically through analyzing retinal nerve
fiber layer changes in circumpapillary scans. Three-dimensional OCT
volumes enable a much more thorough analysis of the optic nerve head
(ONH) region, which may be the site of initial glaucomatous optic
nerve damage. Automated analysis of this region is of great interest,
though large anatomical variations and the termination of layers make
the requisite peripapillary layer and Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO)
segmentation a challenging task. Several machine learning-based
segmentation methods have been proposed for retinal layer
segmentation, and a few for the ONH region, but they typically depend
on either heavily averaged or pre-processed B-scans or a large amount
of annotated data, which is a tedious task and resource-intensive. We
evaluated a semi-supervised adversarial deep learning method for
segmenting peripapillary retinal layers in OCT B-scans to take
advantage of unlabeled data. We show that the use of a generative
adversarial network and unlabeled data can improve the performance of
segmentation. Additionally, we use a Faster R-CNN architecture to
automatically segment the BMO. The proposed methods are then used for
the 3D morphometric analysis of both control and glaucomatous ONH
volumes to demonstrate the potential for clinical utility.
Graph-based multi-user scheduling for indoor cooperative visible light transmission
Authors: Deng Jiajun , Jin Xianqing , Ma Xiaoting , Jin Meiyu , Gong Chen , Xu Zhengyuan
Published: May 2020

Recent progress in the indoor visible light communication (VLC) has shown promising signs of alleviating an increasing strain on the radio frequency spectrum and enhancing transmission capacity. Nevertheless, the indoor VLC usually suffers from inter-channel interference (ICI) due to the dense light-emitting diode (LED) deployment. The ICI is considered as a key factor affecting signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) and spectral efficiency. To address this challenge, an efficient multi-user scheduling framework that employs interference coordination and cooperative transmission is investigated based on the graph theory. To effectively mitigate ICI and maximize benefit of the cooperative transmission, the cell-centric (CC) and user-centric (UC) clustering are introduced for cooperative transmission. For the CC clustering, the multi-user scheduling problem under the proportional fairness criterion is formulated to maximize spectral efficiency while ensuring user fairness. Such a problem is solved by linear programming and greedy algorithms after transforming it into a maximum weighted independent set problem with the aid of a modified interference graph. For the UC clustering, the multi-user scheduling problem under the max-min criterion is formulated and solved by a proposed heuristic approach based on the bipartite graph theory. Numerical results show that the proposed graph-based scheduling is capable of providing up to 7.7 dB gain in SINR over the non-cooperative transmission. The bipartite graph scheduling offers high spectral efficiency and service fairness index. In the worst case with an occlusion probability of 1, a small SINR penalty of up to 1 dB is observed with the greedy algorithm. It is shown that the graph-based scheduling is robust to receiver rotation and occlusion in terms of spectral efficiency, SINR, and user fairness.
Scalable readout interface for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors using AQFP and RSFQ logic families
Authors: Takeuchi Naoki , China Fumihiro , Miki Shigehito , Miyajima Shigeyuki , Yabuno Masahiro , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Terai Hirotaka
Published: May 2020

We propose a scalable readout interface for superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SSPD) arrays, which we call the AQFP/RSFQ interface. This interface is composed of adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) and rapid single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) logic families. The AQFP part reads out the spatial information of an SSPD array via a single cable, and the RSFQ part reads out the temporal information via a single cable. The hybrid interface has high temporal resolution owing to low timing jitter in the operation of the RSFQ part. In addition, the hybrid interface achieves high circuit scalability because of low supply current in the operation of the AQFP part. Therefore, the hybrid interface is suitable for handling many-pixel SSPD arrays. We demonstrate a four-pixel SSPD array using the hybrid interface as proof of concept. The measurement results show that the hybrid interface can read out all of the pixels with a low error rate and low timing jitter.
Bi-layer metasurface based on Huygens’ principle for high gain antenna applications
Authors: Akram Muhammad Rizwan , He Chong , Zhu Weiren
Published: May 2020

A planar isotropic unit cell based on Huygens’ principle is presented for achieving transmission phase control. By tailoring overlapping electric and magnetic resonances with geometry of the proposed unit cell, the transmission phase ranging from 0 − 2π is achieved with high transmittance. The proposed unit cell is then employed to design a metasurface lens with center frequency at 9.3 GHz and a square shaped patch antenna is placed at the focal point of the designed lens to perform conversion from spherical wave front of the source antenna to planar wave front. The designed lens antenna is capable to realize pencil beam radiation pattern with a gain of 19.6 dB and side lobe levels less than −15 dB in simulation. To experimentally verify the proposed design, a prototype of the metasurface lens is fabricated and measured. The measurement results well validate the proposed design and its enhanced performance.
Enhancing final image contrast in off-axis digital holography using residual fringes
Authors: Bedrossian Manuel , Wallace J. Kent , Serabyn Eugene , Lindensmith Christian , Nadeau Jay
Published: May 2020

We show that background fringe-pattern subtraction is a useful technique for removing static noise from off-axis holographic reconstructions and can enhance image contrast in volumetric reconstructions by an order of magnitude in the case for instruments with relatively stable fringes. We demonstrate the fundamental principle of this technique and introduce some practical considerations that must be made when implementing this scheme, such as quantifying fringe stability. This work also shows an experimental verification of the background fringe subtraction scheme using various biological samples.
Relaxing constraints on data acquisition and position detection for trap stiffness calibration in optical tweezers
Authors: Melo Bruno , Almeida Felipe , Temporão Guilherme , Guerreiro Thiago
Published: May 2020

Optical tweezers find applications in various fields, ranging from biology to physics. One of the fundamental steps necessary to perform quantitative measurements using trapped particles is the calibration of the tweezer’s spring constant. This can be done through power spectral density analysis, from forward scattering detection of the particle’s position. In this work we propose and experimentally test simplifications to such measurement procedure, aimed at reducing post-processing of recorded data and dealing with acquisition devices that have frequency-dependent electronic noise. In the same line of simplifying the tweezer setup we also present a knife-edge detection scheme that can substitute standard position sensitive detectors.
Metasurface-bounded open cavities supporting virtual absorption: free-space energy accumulation in lossless systems
Authors: Marini A. , Ramaccia D. , Toscano A. , Bilotti F.
Published: May 2020

We investigate an anomalous scattering phenomenon exhibited by a lossless system based on metasurfaces. Electromagnetic energy is neither reflected nor transmitted but stored within the system to be available again at a different time. We analytically derive the proper excitation conditions and verify the response of the system through a proper set of full-wave simulations, demonstrating the key role of the metasurface in enabling such a zero-scattering condition. The practical feasibility and the opportunities offered by the proposed metasurface-based system may open the door to the design of virtual absorbers with dynamic properties in energy absorbing, storing, and releasing.
Second-harmonic generation in periodically poled silicon waveguides with lateral p-i-n junctions
Authors: Franchi Riccardo , Castellan Claudio , Ghulinyan Mher , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: May 2020

Electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation is demonstrated in
silicon waveguides with reverse biased lateral p-i-n junctions. Phase
matching is achieved by periodically poling the applied electric
field. Two different poling configurations are compared: in the first,
the p- and n-type doped regions of the junctions are on different
sides of the waveguide (simple
configuration), while in the second, they are alternated periodically
across the waveguide sides (interdigitated configuration). Both simulations and
experiments show that the generation efficiency is increased by 10
times comparing the interdigitated and
simple configurations. The effective
second-order susceptibility modulation obtained at a reverse bias
voltage of 3.5 V is

Δ

χ

e
f
f

,
S

(
2
)

≃
0.14

p
m

/

V

for the simple configuration and

Δ

χ

e
f
f

,
I

(
2
)

≃
0.64

p
m

/

V

for the interdigitated one.
Widely tunable ultra-narrow-linewidth dissipative soliton generation at the telecom band
Authors: Ha Chang Kyun , Lee Ki Sang , Kwon Dohyeon , Kang Myeong Soo
Published: May 2020

Ultra-narrow-linewidth mode-locked lasers with wide wavelength tunability can be versatile light sources for a variety of newly emergent applications. However, it is very challenging to achieve the stable mode locking of substantially long, anomalously dispersive fiber laser cavities employing a narrowband spectral filter at the telecom band. Here, we show that a nearly dispersion-insensitive dissipative mode-locking regime can be accessed through a subtle counterbalance among significantly narrowband spectral filtering, sufficiently deep saturable absorption, and moderately strong in-fiber Kerr nonlinearity. This achieves ultra-narrow-linewidth (a few gigahertz) nearly transform-limited self-starting stable dissipative soliton generation at low repetition rates (a few megahertz) without cavity dispersion management over a broad tuning range of wavelengths covering the entire telecom C-band. This unique laser may have immediate application as an idealized pump source for high-efficiency nonlinear frequency conversion and nonclassical light generation in dispersion-engineered tightly light-confining microphotonic/nanophotonic systems.
Life satisfaction, disease management attitudes and nutritional status of diabetes mellitus patients in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan: a hospital based cross-sectional study
Authors: Jalil Aisha , Usman Ahmed , Akram Sobia , Zulfiqar Nazish , Arshad Wajeeha
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: The life satisfaction of diabetes mellitus patients in association with the disease management attitudes and nutritional status have never been investigated yet in Pakistani administered Azad Jammu Kashmir.
AIM: The purpose of this study is to analyze the patient satisfaction about life with diabetes mellitus in association with disease management and nutritional status.
METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 496 patients in DHQ hospital, Mirpur Azad Jammu Kashmir. The questionnaire comprised of two sections: 1) Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS-3); 2) Patient profile, DM history, nutritional status and dietary habits. The findings are generated by binary logistic regression and multivariate regression analyses.
RESULTS: Overall, 64% of the patients interviewed reported dissatisfaction with their life with DM. Majority of the patients were females (66%), BMI value above 25.0 (56%). Gender male (AOR=1.82; 95%CI=1.15-2.88) and low income (AOR=3.16; 95%CI= 1.13-8.80) and middle income (AOR=4.70; 95%CI=1.52-15.5) were significantly associated with life dissatisfaction. There was higher likelihood of life dissatisfaction among patients with low food intake (AOR=1.82; 95%CI= 1.20-2.76); patients belief on: no need of taking insulin to treat their diabetes have a mild disease (AOR=1.56; 95%CI= 1.01-2.41); not much use in trying to have good blood sugar control because complications of diabetes happen anyway (AOR= 1.63; 95%CI= 1.18-2.23); emotional effects of diabetes are small (AOR=1.47; 95%CI= 1.02-2.14); decisions regarding daily diabetes care should be made by the patient (AOR= 2.15; 95%CI= 1.19-3.88).
CONCLUSION: Findings implied the need of organizing counselling sessions for DM patients that promote regular physical activity to improve health and disease management. The consultation and regular visits of a nutritionist may help the patients in achieving better health outcomes.
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes prevalence in patients with different risk factor combinations in the NATION study
Authors: Shestakova Ekaterina A. , Lunina Elena Y. , Galstyan Gagik R. , Shestakova Marina V. , Dedov Ivan I.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is multifactorial disease. NATION epidemiological study may provide the information about the prevalence of T2D and prediabetic state in patients with different risk factor combinations in Russian population.
AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of T2D and prediabetic state in NATION cohort depending on the amount of diabetes risk factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: NATION is an epidemiological, cross-sectional study, designed to assess the prevalence of T2D in Russian adult population, where HbA1c was used to establish T2D (HbAc6,5%) and prediabetes (5,7%HbA1c6,5%). Patients with T2D were either previously diagnosed or newly diagnosed. Current study presents an additional analysis of NATION cohort focused on the prevalence of T2D and prediabetic state among patients with different risk factor combinations.
RESULTS: T2D and prediabetic state prevalence gradually increased among patients with following risk factors (prevalence of T2D and prediabetes respectively): low physical activity (4,3%, 18,3%), rare fruit and vegetable consumption (4,8%, 18,7%), T2D family history (7,7%, 20,3%), age 45 years (9,5%, 31,3%), obesity grade 1 (9,6%, 30,3%), obesity grade 2 (14,6%, 37,8%), obesity grade 3 (20,1%, 39,7%), hypertension (14,7%, 38,2%), history of diabetes during pregnancy (14,1%, 24,7%). Prevalence of T2D with single and multiple risk factors was compared to the prevalence of T2D in young patients (45 years) without additional diabetes risk factors. Age 45 years was associated with 7-fold increase in T2D prevalence; obesity 8,8-fold; family history 5,7-fold; hypertension 10,8-fold (p0,001 for comparisons of every group with patients 45 years of age without other risk factors). When one patient had several risk factors combined, the prevalence of T2D increased progressively: combination of age 45 years and family history led to 10,7-fold rise; combination of age 45 years and BMI30kg/m2 11,2-fold; combination of age 45 years, family history and BMI30kg/m2 15,3-fold; combination of age 45 years, family history, BMI30kg/m2 and hypertension 19,1-fold (p0,001 for comparisons of every group with patients 45 years of age without other risk factors).
CONCLUSIONS: Presence of multiple risk factors, such as age 45 years, obesity and hypertension led to progressive increase in the prevalence of T2D and prediabetic state. These data are important to identify patients at the highest risk of T2D among Russian population.
Nephroprotective potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
Authors: Shamkhalova Minara S. , Sklyanik Igor A. , Shestakova Marina V.
Published: May 2020

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which is a key factor in the development of kidney diseases, are increasingly competing for limited healthcare resources. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains a significant cause of end-stage renal failure in the patients of many countries and is also associated with a high risk of cardiovascular pathology and mortality. The variety of clinical phenotypes of DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) occurring due to a variety of pathogenetic factors and the characteristics of the evolution of complications under the influence of contemporary therapeutic methods, has been a special subject of discussion in recent years. Optimal control of the level of glycaemia and hypertension and timely blockade of the reninangiotensinaldosterone system do not provide sufficient protection for the kidneys. Over the recent decade, the nephroprotective potential of a group of modern anti-hyperglycaemic agents, i.e., glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1 RA) has been actively discussed. GLP1 RA have proven to be quite effective in controlling glycaemia and metabolic syndrome components (weight, systolic blood pressure and lipid profile) and in significantly reducing the risk of the primary, three-component endpoint (major adverse cardiac events: cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke) according to large studies on cardiovascular safety. The renal effects of GLP1 RA are attributed to a wide range of direct and indirect effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on renal structures and functions owing to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.
Investment providing sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine
Authors: Savitska Svitlana , Zaika Svitlana , Svystun Lyudmyla , Koval Liubov , Haibura Yuliia
Published: May 2020

The economic growth of agricultural production is one of the main problems of modern economic development of Ukraine, in which investment processes play an important role. Therefore, the research is to reveal the importance of investment for the development of agriculture and rural areas of Ukraine and to develop recommendations to enhance investments in the Ukrainian rural areas. The data base of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine on economic development of Ukraine, investment activity of agriculture in Ukraine and attraction of foreign direct investments into the economy of Ukraine for 2014-2018 served as the information base for empirical and statistical research. It is found according to the results of the study that the level of provision of agriculture with investment resources is not sufficient. The reason is a number of negative factors: imperfect legislative framework, corruption, economic instability of the country, military conflict in the east of the country, insufficient financing of agriculture, low level of credit to the sector, etc. Using a systematic and integrated method, a model for the formation of investment support for sustainable rural development has been developed. We believe that in order to activate the sustainable development of rural territories, the use of the model will help to streamline and allocate financial and investment resources and improve rural investment activities. Conceptual approaches to the possible introduction of the agricultural land market in Ukraine are substantiated.
Substantiation of models for forecasting the regional social and economic rural development
Authors: Sava Andrii , Biskup Vitalii , Petruk Inna , Pokotylska Nataliia , Fuhelo Pavlina
Published: May 2020

The areas of application of mathematical and statistical methods for determining the prognostic model of rural development on the example of all Ukraine taking into account the economic, social and environmental component are explored in this article. Econometric modelling is the basis of the research methodology in this work. As a tool for analysis, a specific system of evaluation of selected indicators and their correlation and regression processing is applied. The results showed that the most influential factors for the level of development of rural territories of Ukraine are ten among the 60 indicators, grouped by the three components. They characterize the economic, social and environmental component and determine some impact on the functioning of the country's territorial system as a whole. The mathematical expression of the prognostic model of rural development is established using the regression analysis. A set of measures for regulation of rural development is developed on the basis of these results, which envisages the implementation of measures in the areas of software, normative and legal support. It is expected that this study will help public authorities make more effective decisions on addressing key issues of social and economic processes in rural areas of individual regions, Ukraine as a whole and other countries.
MINDIN secretion by prostate tumors induces premetastatic changes in bone via β-catenin
Authors: Ardura Juan A , Álvarez-Carrión Luis , Gutiérrez-Rojas Irene , Friedman Peter A , Gortázar Arancha R , Alonso Verónica
Published: May 2020

Bone metastases are common in advanced prostate cancer patients, but mechanisms by which specific pro-metastatic skeletal niches are formed before tumor cell homing are unclear. We aimed to analyze the effects of proteins secreted by primary prostate tumors on the bone microenvironment before the settlement and propagation of metastases. Here, using an in vivo pre-metastatic prostate cancer model based on the implantation of prostate adenocarcinoma TRAMP-C1 cells in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, we identify MINDIN as a prostate tumor secreted protein that induces bone microstructural and bone remodeling gene expression changes before tumor cell homing. Associated with these changes, increased tumor cell adhesion to the endosteum ex vivo and to osteoblasts in vitro was observed. Furthermore, MINDIN promoted osteoblast proliferation and mineralization and monocyte expression of osteoclast markers. β-catenin signaling pathway revealed to mediate MINDIN actions on osteoblast gene expression but failed to affect MINDIN-induced adhesion to prostate tumor cells or monocyte differentiation to osteoclasts. Our study evidences that MINDIN secretion by primary prostate tumors creates a favorable bone environment for tumor cell homing before metastatic spread.
Comparative RNAseq Analysis of the Insect-Pathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae Reveals Specific Transcriptome Signatures of Filamentous and Yeast-Like Development
Authors: Iwanicki Natasha Sant’Anna , Júnior Italo Delalibera , Eilenberg Jørgen , De Fine Licht Henrik H
Published: May 2020

The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is a facultative insect pathogen used as biological control agent of several agricultural pests worldwide. It is a dimorphic fungus that is able to display two growth morphologies, a filamentous phase with formation of hyphae and a yeast-like phase with formation of single-celled blastospores. Blastospores play an important role for M. anisopliae pathogenicity during disease development. They are formed solely in the hemolymph of infected insects as a fungal strategy to quickly multiply and colonize the insect’s body. Here, we use comparative genome-wide transcriptome analyses to determine changes in gene expression between the filamentous and blastospore growth phases in vitro to characterize physiological changes and metabolic signatures associated with M. anisopliae dimorphism. Our results show a clear molecular distinction between the blastospore and mycelial phases. In total 6.4% (n = 696) out of 10,981 predicted genes in M. anisopliae were differentially expressed between the two phases with a fold-change > 4. The main physiological processes associated with up-regulated gene content in the single-celled yeast-like blastospores during liquid fermentation were oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism (catabolism and anabolism), respiration processes, transmembrane transport and production of secondary metabolites. In contrast, the up-regulated gene content in hyphae were associated with increased growth, metabolism and cell wall re-organization, which underlines the specific functions and altered growth morphology of M. anisopliae blastospores and hyphae, respectively. Our study revealed significant transcriptomic differences between the metabolism of blastospores and hyphae. These findings illustrate important aspects of fungal morphogenesis in M. anisopliae and highlight the main metabolic activities of each propagule under in vitro growth conditions.
Computational exploration of Casson fluid flow over a Riga-plate with variable chemical reaction and linear stratification
Authors: Loganathan Parasuraman , Deepa Krishnamurthy
Published: May 2020

Simulation of electro-magneto-hydrodynamic Casson fluid flow subject to cross stratification and variable chemical reaction is exemplified numerically. The model, which is governed by the system of partial differential equations, accomplishes the implicit finite difference solution. The variable chemical reaction enables the study to investigate an exponentially varying reaction rate along the stratified flow. Further, the mesh-contour plots impart the precise visualization of flow field in 3D and its projection as contour on XY -plane. The stronger chemical reaction parameter improves the temperature and mass transfer rate. The consistency of the results is affirmed by the correlation with results arising in the literature.
Dynamics of prey–predator model with strong and weak Allee effect in the prey with gestation delay
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Dubey Balram
Published: May 2020

This study proposes two prey–predator models with strong and weak Allee effects in prey population with Crowley–Martin functional response. Further, gestation delay of the predator population is introduced in both the models. We discussed the boundedness, local stability and Hopf-bifurcation of both nondelayed and delayed systems. The stability and direction of Hopfbifurcation is also analyzed by using Normal form theory and Center manifold theory. It is shown that species in the model with strong Allee effect become extinct beyond a threshold value of Allee parameter at low density of prey population, whereas species never become extinct in weak Allee effect if they are initially present. It is also shown that gestation delay is unable to avoiding the status of extinction. Lastly, numerical simulation is conducted to verify the theoretical findings.
Actively Doing Less: Deimplementation of Unnecessary Interventions in Bronchiolitis Care Across Urgent Care, Emergency Department, and Inpatient Settings
Authors: Berg Kathleen , Nedved Amanda , Richardson Troy , Montalbano Amanda , Michael Jeffrey , Johnson Matthew
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Quality improvement (QI) initiatives have increased provider adherence to individual components of a bronchiolitis clinical practice guideline (CPG). Few have evaluated complete adherence to a guideline in multiple types of care settings. Our aim with this study was to increase complete adherence to our institutional bronchiolitis CPG in urgent care center, emergency department, and inpatient settings.

METHODS:

We conducted a QI study at a single pediatric institution with multiple care settings. Encounters for patients with bronchiolitis ages >60 days to <24 months occurring between October 1 and March 31 in 2015–2018 were included. Those in intensive or subspecialty care were excluded. Management of each encounter was considered adherent to the CPG if none of the following were ordered: respiratory pathogen panel, respiratory syncytial virus antigen, complete blood cell count, blood culture, chest radiography, bronchodilator, antibiotic, or systemic corticosteroid. Medical team education, family engagement, order set modifications, and data dissemination were employed to drive deimplementation. We used interrupted time series to assess changes in processes and outcomes both across and within seasons.

RESULTS:

Analysis included 13 063 patient encounters. Hospital-wide complete adherence to the CPG increased (P < .001) from 40.9% (95% confidence interval 39.3%–42.5%) to 54.6% (95% confidence interval 53.2%–56.0%). Although CPG adherence improved in all 3 clinical settings, the use of individual CPG components varied by setting. Direct cost decreased in the urgent care center (P < .001) and emergency department (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

We created a strict definition of CPG adherence and used QI methodology to deimplement multiple overused tests and medications across the continuum of patient care.