bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding Practices, Lines, and Hospital-Acquired Infection during the Sustenance Phase of Infection Control Quality Improvement
Authors: KS Deepa , Balachander Bharathi , Rao PN Suman
Published: December 2020

Objectives Nosocomial infections are a significant threat to the survival and neurodevelopment of neonates .The present study attempts to correlate enteral feeding practices as measured by nil per oral (NPO days) with bloodstream infection (BSI) rates and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) over a period of 2 years and 3 months.

Methods This was a prospective observational study done in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Data were recorded on the presence of central lines or peripheral intravenous (IV) lines, receipt of intravenous fluids (IVF), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or IV antibiotics, and mechanical ventilation status. BSI and CLABSI, regarded as sentinel events, were recorded and root cause analysis done.

Results A total of 3,448 infants constituting 17,846 patient days with mean gestational age and birth weight of 34.3 ± 3 weeks and 1,868 ± 434 g, respectively were studied. NPO per 1,000 days shows a significant positive correlation with BSI (ρ = 0.513; p = 0.004), CLABSI (ρ = 0.425; p = 0.021), antibiotic days (ρ = 0.7; p < 0.000), IV fluid days (ρ = 0.459; p = 0.014), and central line days (ρ = 0.634; p < 0.001). The IV fluid days showed correlation with BSI (ρ = 0.4, p ≤ 0.03) and CLABSI (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.02).

Conclusion BSI in NICU correlates with higher NPO and IV fluid days. Strengthening of enteral feeding practices reduces health care-associated infections.
Dental Implants Surface in vitro Decontamination Protocols
Authors: Batalha Vanessa Coelho , Bueno Raquel Abreu , Fronchetti Junior Edemar , Mariano José Ricardo , Santin Gabriela Cristina , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Ortiz Mariana Aparecida Lopes , Salmeron Samira
Published: December 2020

Objective The number of patients rehabilitated with dental implants has contributed to increased incidence of peri-implant diseases. Due to complex and difficult treatment, peri-implantitis is a challenge and an efficient clinical protocol is not yet established. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two protocols for in vitro decontamination of dental implants surface.

Materials and Methods Twenty titanium implants (BioHE-Bioconect) were used. Implants were divided into five groups (n = 4). NC group (negative control): sterile implants; PC group (positive control): biofilm contaminated implants; S group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline; SB group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline and treated with air-powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate (1 minute); and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline and treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (red laser + toluidine blue O). The implants were contaminated in vitro with subgingival biofilm and distributed in groups PC, S, SB, and aPDT. Each group received the respective decontamination treatment, except groups NC and PC. Then, all implants were placed in tubes containing culture medium for later sowing and counting of colony-forming units (CFUs).

Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests were performed, at 5% significance level.

Results Significantly fewer CFUs were observed in the aPDT group (19.38 × 105) when compared with groups SB (26.88 × 105), S (47.75 × 105), and PC (59.88 × 105) (p < 0.01). Both the aPDT and SB groups were statistically different from the NC group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion Proposed protocols, using air-powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate and aPDT, showed to be efficacious in the decontamination of dental implants surface in vitro.
Critério da Associação Brasileira de Nutrologia para diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome metabólica em crianças e adolescentes
Authors: Nogueira-de-Almeida Carlos Alberto , Hirose Thiago Santos , Zorzo Renato Augusto , Vilanova Karla Cristina Malta , Ribas-Filho Durval
Published: December 2020

Introdução Síndrome Metabólica é um conjunto de fatores bioquímicos, fisiológicos, clínicos e metabólicos que se iniciam com a resistência periférica à insulina e que, quando concomitantemente presentes, elevam o risco de desenvolvimento de aterosclerose, eventos cardiovasculares, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e mortalidade por qualquer causa. Em crianças, não há consenso sobre critérios diagnósticos e tratamento, por isso a importância de seu estabelecimento e padronização.

Objetivo Publicar um consenso da Associação Brasileira de Nutrologia para diagnóstico e tratamento da Síndrome Metabólica em crianças e adolescentes.

Métodos Revisão de literatura e discussão entre os autores.

Resultados Para o diagnóstico, recomenda-se o uso dos seguintes parâmetros: excesso de adiposidade corporal, dislipidemia, alteração do perfil glicêmico-insulinêmico e elevação da pressão arterial. Será considerada portadora de síndrome metabólica o adolescente ou a criança, com sete anos de idade ou mais, que apresentar valores alterados em pelo menos 3 dos 4 critérios. Mudanças do estilo de vida, melhora em quantidade e qualidade alimentar e aumento da atividade física são utilizados como terapêutica inicial, sendo que o uso de metformina é indicado para o controle da resistência insulínica quando essas medidas não forem suficientes. Liraglutida pode ser utilizada em maiores de 12 anos para promover perda de peso, sendo a cirurgia bariátrica reservada para casos especiais de obesidade grave.

Conclusão Reconhecimento e tratamento precoces da Síndrome Metabólica em pediatria proporcionam prevenção de eventos adversos cardiovasculares e diabetes nos pacientes e melhora a qualidade de vida dos mesmos e o presente consenso busca padronizar essas condutas.
Forschungsvorhaben KIK_DISPO: KI in der Krankenhaus-Transport-Disposition
Authors: Bredehorn Thomas , Johow Lars
Published: December 2020

Die Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt schreitet kontinuierlich voran. Künstliche Intelligenz und Maschinelles Lernen können zukunftsweisende Mehrwerte schaffen – nicht nur in der Industrie, sondern (oder gerade) auch im Krankenhausumfeld.
Lagerhaltung im Krankenhaus: Smarte Lager- und Warenwirtschaft
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: December 2020

Lager verschaffen Sicherheit und reduzieren Risiken – gerade für Kliniken hat die Ressourcenverfügbarkeit eine besonders hohe Bedeutung. Smarte Lager- und Warenwirtschaftssysteme streben einen bestmöglichen Fit zwischen Leistungsbereitschaft und Ressourceneffizienz an. Für Entscheidungsverantwortliche gilt es, ein individuelles Lagermanagement-Konzept zu entwickeln und umzusetzen.
Nationales Lieferkettengesetz: Gesetzliche Rahmenbedingungen für eine nachhaltige Beschaffung geplant
Authors: Schork Christoph
Published: December 2020

In globalen Lieferketten stehen Einkäufer bereits heute vor großen Herausforderungen, wenn es darum geht, ob Menschenrechte und Umweltstandards bei Lieferanten eingehalten werden. Sowohl auf deutscher als auch auf europäischer Ebene gibt es nun Bestrebungen, Sorgfaltspflichten in Lieferketten zukünftig auch gesetzlich zu verankern.
Marktzugangs- und Erstattungsregulierung: Zwischen Patientensicherheit und medizinisch-technischem Fortschritt
Authors: Lodroner Anja , Schlüchtermann Jörg
Published: December 2020

Bevor neue Gesundheitstechnologien angewendet und bei der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) abgerechnet werden dürfen, müssen sie als erstattungsfähig gelten. Voraussetzung hierfür ist ein mehrstufiger Marktzugangsprozess. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, die Auswirkungen von Marktzugangsregulierungen auf den medizinisch-technischen Fortschritt aufzuzeigen und die Rolle der Krankenhäuser zu skizzieren.
The Central Synagogue of Nazareth Illit and its architectural dialogue with Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation
Authors: Simhony Naomi
Published: December 2020

The hometown of Jesus, Nazareth, is an international center of Christian pilgrimage that has capitalized on showcasing its sacred sites. Architect Antonio Barluzzi was commissioned to design Nazareth’s modern Basilica of the Annunciation in 1954, and a cornerstone for the project was laid in a well-attended ceremony. It seems that the establishment of the modern church was the catalyst for the eagerness with which the Israeli authorities approached establishing a Jewish monument in the region. In 1957, a design process for the Central Synagogue in Nazareth Illit (subsequently renamed Nof HaGalil) began, with the aim of proudly competing with the churches and mosques in the Nazareth region. Both the basilica and the synagogue were erected by Israeli construction firmSolel Bonehand were inaugurated in 1968 and 1969, respectively. This article examines the impact of the inception, establishment and building of Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation on the drive to strengthen Jewish presence in the Nazareth region, which in turn stood behind the construction of the Nazareth Illit synagogue. This research is based on a comparative investigation of the histories of both structures, including early design proposals, architecture, and the religious artworks therein. This comparative investigation reveals the influence of the basilica on the synagogue and the shared aspects of their design and execution. While existing literature dedicated to the Central Synagogue in Nazareth Illit has focused on its significance and meaning as an Israeli architectural landmark, this article presents a new perspective, examining how a modern architectural trend was used as an agent in the struggle between local Jewish and Christian monumental dominance. It also contributes to the literature by shedding light on a heretofore overlooked quest for an appropriate architectural style for religious buildings in the Land of Israel during the mid-twentieth century.
Project-based learning: an analysis of cooperation and evaluation as the axes of its dynamic
Authors: de la Torre-Neches Berta , Rubia-Avi Mariano , Aparicio-Herguedas Jose Luis , Rodríguez-Medina Jairo
Published: December 2020

Project-based learning is an active method that develops the maximum involvement and participation of students in the learning process. It requires the teacher to energize the learning scenario by promoting the cooperation of students to investigate, make decisions and respond to the challenges of the project. It also requires activating an evaluation system that promotes awareness, reflexivity and a critical spirit, facilitating deeper learning. This case study aims to understand the functioning of cooperative work established during the application of the method, as well as to know how the evaluation process progresses in the perspective of a group of teachers of secondary education that set up this methodology in their classes. The data obtained from interviews with the teachers involved in the study, teachers’ notebooks, and open-question questionnaire applied to high-school students are analyzed. Although the students were organized in small groups in order to develop their collaborative skills, intragroup frictions and conflicts were not sufficiently addressed or supervised in time by the teachers, thus resulting in an incomplete development of the synergies and collaboration necessaries to the project. From the point of view of the evaluation, the importance of the implementation of training and shared evaluation systems is well recognized, although a more traditional evaluation model, which does not sufficiently address the project development process prevails, and the value of the qualification on the final product achieved still weights.
Nonconceptualism as the key to a new physicalist strategy in the knowledge argument
Authors: de Sá Pereira Roberto Horácio
Published: December 2020

This paper presents and defends an alternative version to the so-called strategy of phenomenal concepts (aka PCS) in defense of type B materialism in Jackson’s knowledge argument. Endorsing Ball and Tye’s criticism, I argue in favor of the following claims. First: Mary’s newly acquired content is nonconceptual in the light of all available criteria. Second: Mary’s acquisition of such content is precisely what allows us to explain, at least in part, both her epistemic progress (once released from her confinement) and the increase in her expertize regarding her old PHENOMENAL RED. However, although the acquisition of such nonconceptual content is indispensable, it is sufficient to explain Mary’s epistemic progress. Third: assuming that concepts are mental files, after undergoing the visual experiences of red for the first time, such newly acquired nonconceptual content goes through a process of “digitization” so that it can be stored in the mental file PHENOMENAL RED. Fourth and final claim: it is based on this concept of PHENOMENAL RED, now phenomenally enriched by the newly acquired nonconceptual content, that Mary is able to identify introspectively the phenomenal red of her new experience.
Machine learning allows a simple technique for recognizing concealed objects
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: December 2020

Optical object recognition algorithm spatially modulates radiation to identify the shape of hidden materials.
Quantum Monte Carlo calculations on dissociative chemisorption of H2 + Al(110): Minimum barrier heights and their comparison to DFT values
Authors: Powell Andrew D. , Kroes Geert-Jan , Doblhoff-Dier Katharina
Published: December 2020

Reactions of molecules on metal surfaces are notoriously difficult to simulate accurately. Density functional theory can be utilized to generate a potential energy surface, but with presently available functionals, the results are not yet accurate enough. To provide benchmark barrier heights with a high-quality method, diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) is applied to H2 + Al(110). Barrier heights have been computed for six geometries. Our present goal is twofold: first, to provide accurate barrier heights for the two lowest lying transition states of the system, and second, to assess whether density functionals are capable of describing the variation of barrier height with molecular orientation and impact site through a comparison with DMC barriers. To this end, barrier heights computed with selected functionals at the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and meta-GGA levels are compared to the DMC results. The comparison shows that all selected functionals yield a rather accurate description of the variation of barrier heights with impact site and orientation, although their absolute values may not be accurate. RPBE-vdW-DF and BEEF-vdW were found to perform quite well even in terms of absolute numbers. Both functionals provided barrier heights for the energetically lowest lying transition state that are within 1 kcal/mol of the DMC value.
Surface and grain boundary carbon heterogeneity in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskites and its impact on optoelectronic properties
Authors: Li Yu , Hu Qin , Wang Peijian , Chopdekar Rajesh , Scholl Andreas , Zhao Zhe , Zou Yecheng , Utama M. Iqbal Bakti , Wang Feng , Barnes Michael , Zhang Yongming , Russell Thomas P. , Liu Feng
Published: December 2020

Rivaling state-of-the-art crystalline silicon, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been intensely studied in recent years. Surface and interfacial engineering have been a focus for performance improvement. Even though significant progress has been made during the last decade in terms of the diversity and capability of perovskite-based devices, the structure-property relationship, particularly at the surface, which governs the real-world performance of these applications, is still unresolved. In the article, this issue was addressed by employing synchrotron-related experimental measurements, and a mechanism that correlates microstructure with surface chemistry was resolved. As a powerful and highly sensitive spectromicroscopy, soft x ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM) was used to probe the surface of perovskite films varying in post solvent annealing. Static and in situ grazing incidence hard x ray diffraction (GIXD) was used to track the grain growth dynamics during the film formation process. It was found that the nature of the surfaces was dictated by the local chemistry that varied due to mass flow during the development of the microstructure. Combining optical and electronic characterizations, it was confirmed that a more homogenous chemistry, i.e., uniform chemical components and properties, along with reduced strain and grain boundary energies, yielded more defect-tolerant films. Grain boundaries were more favorable for screening carriers than those in the control film. Our findings underscore the importance of the uniformity in the surface for developing a chemistry-structure-property relationship in perovskite materials, as well as engineering local chemistry toward high-performance and stable devices.
Temperature-dependent electroluminescence study on 265-nm AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes grown on AlN substrates
Authors: Ishii Ryota , Yoshikawa Akira , Nagase Kazuhiro , Funato Mitsuru , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: December 2020

Temperature-dependent electroluminescence measurements are performed for 265-nm AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on AlN substrates. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) increases as the temperature decreases from 293 K to 6 K. Using two assumptions, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and current injection efficiency (CIE) are unity at the peak EQE at 6 K and the light extraction efficiency is independent of current and temperature, the current and temperature dependences of the product (IQE × CIE) are derived. The temperature dependence of the EQE cannot be simply explained by the Auger recombination processes. This observation enables the CIE and IQE to be separately extracted by rate equation analysis. The room-temperature EQE of the AlGaN-based DUV LEDs is limited by the CIE and not the IQE. We propose that the relatively low CIE may originate from the nonradiative recombination process outside quantum-well layers.
The electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties of black phosphorus
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Wang Jiahong , Liu Qian , Gu Shuang , Sun Zhengbo , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xuefeng
Published: December 2020

Black phosphorus (BP) as a two-dimensional semiconductor has attracted tremendous interest in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering fields. BP has a thickness-dependent bandgap and high carrier mobility, and its puckered honeycomb layer structure with in-plane anisotropy gives rise to unique electrical, thermal, optical, and other properties. These interesting properties provide new opportunities for the design of new devices. The prominent electrical and thermal properties of BP are orthogonal, and the Seebeck coefficients of BP, especially monolayer BP, are large, thus rendering the materials to be desirable in thermoelectric devices. In this Perspective, the recent developments of electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties of BP are described. The strategies to tailor the thermoelectric performance are highlighted, aiming at further development and applications in highly efficient thermoelectric devices.
V-TiO2 nanospindles with regulating tumor microenvironment performance for enhanced sonodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Xianwen , Wang Xiyu , Zhong Xiaoyan , Li Guangqiang , Yang Zhijuan , Gong Yuehan , Liu Zhuang , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2020

Sonodynamic therapy, with advantages in large tissue penetration depth and great controllability, is a promising type of non-invasive cancer treatment method. Developing sonosensitizers with high reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantum yield and the ability to regulate tumor microenvironment to achieve enhanced performances in sonodynamic therapy would thus be rather attractive. Herein, vanadium (V) doped TiO2 (V-TiO2) nanospindles with glutathione-depleting properties are fabricated for enhanced sonodynamic cancer therapy. Due to doping of the V element, the bandgap of V-TiO2 nanospindles is reduced, increasing the efficiency of ultrasound-triggered ROS production compared to that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. More interestingly, the doping of V also makes V-TiO2 nanospindles an effective Fenton-like agent, which can catalyze the generation of highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) from endogenous H2O2 in the tumor, thus enabling cancer-killing through chemodynamic therapy. In addition, the V doping also endows V-TiO2 nanospindles with the function of glutathione depletion, further amplifying the oxidative stress generated by chemodynamic-sonodynamic therapy. In vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal experiments demonstrate that V-TiO2 nanospindles can effectively kill cancer by the combined chemodynamic-sonodynamic therapy, significantly improving the tumor treatment outcomes. Importantly, V-TiO2 with the ultrasmall spindle morphology can be quickly excreted from the body, without causing any long-term toxicity. This work illustrates that doping TiO2 with other special elements is a meaningful strategy to fabricate nanostructures with interesting functions useful in biomedicine.
Terahertz emission from a bulk GaSe crystal excited by above bandgap photons
Authors: Norkus R. , Nevinskas I. , Krotkus A.
Published: December 2020

Spectral dependences of the amplitudes of terahertz (THz) transients radiated from a GaSe surface after its excitation by femtosecond optical pulses with photon energies in the range from 1.8 eV to 3.8 eV were used for the study of electron energy band structure of this layered crystal. The energy separation of 0.21 eV between the main Γ valleys and the satellite K valleys in the conduction band was determined from the maximum position of THz excitation spectrum; the polarity of the THz transients became inverted at photon energies higher than 3 eV due to the onset of electron transitions from the second, lower lying valence band.
Ionic structure and decay length in highly concentrated confined electrolytes
Authors: Anousheh Nasim , Solis Francisco J. , Jadhao Vikram
Published: December 2020

We use molecular dynamics simulations of the primitive model of electrolytes to study the ionic structure in aqueous monovalent electrolyte solutions confined by charged planar interfaces over a wide range of electrolyte concentrations, interfacial separations, surface charge densities, and ion sizes. The investigations are inspired by recent experiments that have directly measured the increase in the decay length for highly concentrated electrolytes with an increase in concentration. The behavior of ions in the nanoconfinement created by the interfaces is probed by evaluating the ionic density profiles, net charge densities, integrated charges, and decay lengths associated with the screening of the charged interface. The results show the presence of two distinct regimes of screening behavior as the concentration is changed from 0.1M to 2.5M for a wide range of electrolyte systems generated by tuning the interfacial separation, surface charge density, and ionic size. For low concentrations, the integrated charge exhibits a monotonic decay to 0 with a decay length that decreases sharply with increasing concentration. For high concentrations (≳1M), the integrated charge has a non-monotonic behavior signaling charge inversion and formation of structured layers of ions near the interfaces. The decay length under these conditions rises with increasing concentration. To complement the simulation results, a variational approach is developed that produces charge densities with characteristics consistent with those observed in simulations. The results demonstrate the relation between the rise in the strength of steric correlations and the changes in the screening behavior.
Complex center-type topological domain in ferroelectric nanoislands of rhombohedral Pb(Zr0.7,Ti0.3)O3
Authors: Chen Hongying , Tian Guo , Yang Wenda , Mo Zhuhua , Zhang Luyong , Chen Yaoyao , Chen Chao , Hou Zhipeng , Chen Deyang , Fan Zhen , Gao Xingsen , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: December 2020

In recent years, there is a surge of research interest in exotic ferroelectric topological states, motivated by their rich emerging physical properties and potential applications in nanoelectronic devices. Here, we demonstrate the observation of a sort of complex center-type topological domain structures, which exhibit a quadrant center-type (with polarization pointing to the center) topological texture for an in-plane polarization component and a cylinder domain pattern along the vertical direction, in rhombohedral structured Pb(Zr0.7Ti0.3)O3 (R-PZT) nanoislands. Such a center domain state exhibits a rather high stability, which can well maintain its topological texture after heating to above curie temperature and subsequently cooling down to room temperature. Moreover, it allows erasure by a scanning electric field, yet it can also be recovered by a similar heating and cooling process. The observation of these unique topological textures in R-PZT nanoislands might provide a good playground for further exploring their topological phase transition properties, emerging novel functionalities, and application potential.
Bottom-up coarse-grained models for external fields and interfaces
Authors: DeLyser Michael , Noid W. G.
Published: December 2020

Bottom-up coarse-grained (CG) models accurately describe the structure of homogeneous systems but sometimes provide limited transferability and a poor description of thermodynamic properties. Consequently, inhomogeneous systems present a severe challenge for bottom-up models. In this work, we examine bottom-up CG models for interfaces and inhomogeneous systems. We first analyze the effect of external fields upon the many-body potential of mean force. We also demonstrate that the multiscale CG (MS-CG) variational principle for modeling the external field corresponds to a generalization of the first Yvon–Born–Green equation. This provides an important connection with liquid state theory, as well as physical insight into the structure of interfaces and the resulting MS-CG models. We then develop and assess MS-CG models for a film of liquid methanol that is adsorbed on an attractive wall and in coexistence with its vapor phase. While pair-additive potentials provide unsatisfactory accuracy and transferability, the inclusion of local-density (LD) potentials dramatically improves the accuracy and transferability of the MS-CG model. The MS-CG model with LD potentials quite accurately describes the wall–liquid interface, the bulk liquid density, and the liquid–vapor interface while simultaneously providing a much improved description of the vapor phase. This model also provides an excellent description of the pair structure and pressure–density equation of state for the bulk liquid. Thus, LD potentials hold considerable promise for transferable bottom-up models that accurately describe the structure and thermodynamic properties of both bulk and interfacial systems.
Individual two-axis control of three singlet-triplet qubits in a micromagnet integrated quantum dot array
Authors: Jang Wonjin , Cho Min-Kyun , Kim Jehyun , Chung Hwanchul , Umansky Vladimir , Kim Dohun
Published: December 2020

The individual confinement and two-axis qubit operations of two-electron spin qubits in a GaAs gate-defined sextuple quantum dot array with an integrated micromagnet are reported in this study. As a first step toward multiple-qubit operations, we demonstrate coherent manipulations of three singlet-triplet qubits showing underdamped Larmor and Ramsey oscillations in all double dot sites. An accurate measurement of site-dependent field gradients as well as root-mean-squared electric and magnetic noise is provided, which is followed by a discussion of the adequacy of a simple rectangular micromagnet for practical use in multiple quantum dot arrays. Current limitations and possible strategies for achieving simultaneous multi-qubit operations in extended linear arrays are also presented.
Structure and stoichiometry of CTAB–DNA complexes
Authors: Madhukar S. , Radhakrishnan A. V. , Majhi A. K. , Raghunathan V. A.
Published: December 2020

We have studied the structure of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide–DNA complexes using small angle x-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. These complexes exhibit a two-dimensional hexagonal phase. The diffraction data have been analyzed using electron density models based on two different structures of these complexes proposed in the literature, which differ in the micelle to DNA stoichiometry. The structure with a 1:2 micelle–DNA stoichiometry is found to be more consistent with the diffraction data. Furthermore, this structure is also supported by the stoichiometry deduced from elemental analysis. Madelung energies of the two structures, calculated from the electrostatic interaction between their cylindrical constituents, give insight into their relative stability.
Responses of young plants of Vachellia farnesiana to drought
Authors: Moura Josiane , Vieira Evandro A.
Published: December 2020

Water availability in soil modulates plant acclimatisation responses in different habitats. In this study, we evaluated the effect of water deficit on the physiological, biochemical and growth responses of Vachellia farnesiana. Open environment experiment was conducted during 90 days and two conditions of hydration were tested: full hydration (H) and water deficit (WD) at 25% of field capacity. The relative water content (RWC) of the leaves under WD showed a 30.2% decrease (P < 0.01), compared with the hydrated plants at 30 days. A decrease in the RWC led to decrease in the osmotic potential (Ψs), quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and lesser content of chlorophylls a and b under WD. A greater carotenoid content and simultaneous increase in the content of proline, H2O2 and phenolic compounds of the leaves was also observed in WD. Water deficit also promoted differences in the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the leaves when compared with hydrated plants. Although they showed growth deficit, plants of V. farnesiana demonstrated resistance to WD through physiological and biochemical adjustments.
A Comment on Tmin at Goulburn and at Thredbo Top Station
Authors: Ayers Gregory P.
Published: December 2020

Problems with measurement of air temperatures below -10.4°C at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Goulburn and Thredbo Top Station automatic weather stations have been reviewed to evaluate the effect on the data records from those sites. A nine-minute gap in the Tmin record at Goulburn on just one day, 2 July 2017, is assessed to have no effect on that data record, as the likely actual minimum temperature was estimated to be essentially unchanged at -10.4°C +0.0/-0.1°C.To assess the effect on the Thredbo data of six days within the last decade in which Tmin was inadvertently limited to -10.4°C a hypothetical data record was constructed in which any day after May 2007(seventeenin total) with Tmin below -9.9°C had that value replaced by -13°C, heavily overcompensating for the data logger limitation. Three different tests were carried out comparing the original data record with the overcompensated record. All tests pointed to the conclusion that the small number of limitations has had no material impact on the Thredbo record. Another conclusion from the analysis was that the frequency of occurrence of cool days at Thredbo, including days below -10.4°C, has fallen compared with the late 1960s due to the general warming of Australia since then.
Monitoring the use of dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention: compliance with renal function guidelines
Authors: Simpson Bryan H. , Reith David M. , Medlicott Natalie J. , Smith Alesha J.
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONDabigatran etexilate has become widely used in New Zealand, but information relating to when renal function monitoring is being undertaken is lacking.
AIMTo investigate if clinically appropriate renal function monitoring is being undertaken in New Zealand primary care for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients prescribed dabigatran etexilate.
METHODSNew Zealand non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients’ prescription and primary care health data were extracted from national administrative databases for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2015. The proportion of patients who had serum creatinine measurements at close proximity to treatment initiation and 12-months post initiation were assessed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared with Fisher’s exact test. Log-rank tests for univariate analysis (gender, age, ethnicity and deprivation) effects on serum creatinine testing at dabigatran etexilate treatment initiation and 12-months post initiation were performed.
RESULTSOverall, 1,948 patients who had been dispensed dabigatran etexilate with available primary care health data were identified. A total of 1,752 (89.9% [CI: 88.5–91.2]) patients had a renal function test at dabigatran etexilate initiation. There were 929 (72.8% [CI: 70.2–75.2]) patients who received ≥1 year supply of dabigatran etexilate and of these 207 (22.3% [CI: 19.6.6–25.1]) had a serum creatinine test 1 year after initiation. Demographic univariate analysis yielded insignificant log-rank tests for association with having serum creatinine measurements, except for Pacific Peoples.
DISCUSSIONThere appears to be sub-optimal adherence to renal function monitoring for non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients who receive more than 12-months’ treatment with dabigatran etexilate in New Zealand primary care.
IL-4/STAT6 signaling facilitates innate hematoma resolution and neurological recovery after hemorrhagic stroke in mice
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Zhouqing , Yu Fang , Liu Huan , Ma Cheng , Xie Di , Hu Xiaoming , Leak Rehana K. , Chou Sherry H. Y. , Stetler R. Anne , Shi Yejie , Chen Jun , Bennett Michael V. L. , Chen Gang
Published: December 2020

Significance

Hemorrhagic stroke, resulting from intracerebral hemorrhage, is a devastating medical condition currently without effective cure. Here we report that intranasal delivery of IL-4, a well-known antiinflammatory cytokine, facilitates microglia- and macrophage-mediated hematoma resolution and improves long-term functional recovery in two different mouse models of intracerebral hemorrhage. Mechanistically, IL-4 activates a signaling cascade involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 and IL-1 receptor-like 1, thereby enhancing the phagocytotic capability of microglia and macrophages to remove red blood cells from intracerebral hematomata. Our in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies support the view that IL-4 treatment has the therapeutic potential to promote hematoma resolution and functional restoration in hemorrhagic stroke victims.
Aligning syntax and prosody in Galician
Authors: Gupton Timothy
Published: December 2020

The current chapter contributes to recent studies
on the syntax and prosody of the left periphery (LP) in Romance in
general and Galician in particular. The experimental data examined
establish prosodic contours for six information structure contexts
in Galician using the Melodic Analysis of Speech (MAS) protocol
(Cantero, 2002; Cantero & Font-Rotchés,
2009). I test the claim in e.g. Frascarelli & Hinterhölzl (2007) that
left-peripheral syntactic projections each have a unique,
corresponding prosodic contour, a claim based on one-to-one
correspondences between pitch and information structure in Italian
and German data. Findings suggest that, despite some tendencies in
support of this account, certain intonation contours are used to
encode more than one information structure type. The data examined
militate against an isomorphic account of intonation and syntax, and
instead favor a homomorphic relation between the two, thus
supporting a more parsimonious view of the LP (Emonds, 2004; Kempchinsky, 2013; López, 2009).
Effect of repetitive upsetting-extrusion on deformation uniformity and mechanical properties of Mg–Gd–Y–Zr alloy
Authors: Yu Huisheng , Yu Jianmin , Meng Yingze , Zhang Zhimin
Published: December 2020

Mg-8.3Gd-3.2Y-0.4Zr alloy underwent severe plastic deformation at 420 °C using 4-pass isothermal repetitive upsetting-extrusion (RUE) process. The deformation uniformity in different regions of the same sample after 4 passes of RUE was studied. The results showed that though there was slightly uneven deformation, the isothermal RUE process can improve uniformity. The strain in the central area is relatively small, and there are more deformed large grains. The dynamic recrystallization fraction at different positions is above 0.5, forming a more uniform microstructure, with the minimum average grain size being 10.66 μm. Discontinuous dynamic recrystallization and continuous dynamic recrystallization occur at the same time, which promotes grain refinement and improvement of microstructure uniformity. Dynamic recrystallization weakens the texture, resulting the similar texture intensity of different positions of the sample. The bottom edge position with the most uniform microstructure obtained the best tensile properties, UTS reached 323 MPa.
Photonic band structure in a one-dimensional distributed Bragg reflector pillar
Authors: Segovia-Chaves Francis , Barón Erik Navarro , Vinck-Posada Herbert
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to calculate the photonic band structure in a distributed Bragg reflector pillar. The one-dimensional periodic photonic pillar consists of alternating layers of GaAs and air. We consider the dependence of the GaAs dielectric constant on the hydrostatic pressure at a fixed temperature value. The guided-mode expansion method is employed in the case of the photonic pillar; on expanding the magnetic field of the pillar into the basis of guided modes of a homogeneous waveguide, a linear eigenvalue problem is obtained. It is observed that the photonic band structure consists of true-guided modes outside the light dispersion in the effective core, and the radiative modes are located above the light dispersion. When the pressure is increased at a given temperature, the dielectric band exhibits a shift to higher frequencies, while the air band exhibits a slight shift to lower frequencies, resulting in a decrease in the width of the photonic band gap. The calculation of the photonic pillar fundamental mode did not yield a cutoff frequency.
FDTD simulation of the optical properties for gold nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Lin , Zhu Guixian , Liu Gannan , Zhu Lianqing
Published: December 2020

The optical properties of gold nanoparticles such as strong extinction and surface plasmon resonance can be adjusted by altering the structure, which was used widely in the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this paper, the optical properties of gold nanoparticles were investigated by using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. The influences of AuNP-size and NP-NP-spacing on the local electric field and extinction properties were analyzed in detail. The results showed that the electric field intensity of AuNPs increased rapidly with the increasing size. Meanwhile, the formant appeared blue shift and the peak intensity increased first and then decreased with the increase of NP-NP-spacing. The theoretical calculation results are concordant with experimental results. The FDTD simulation results of this paper have a guiding significance in SERS areas.
Influence of a novel SPD technique together with heat treatment on the microstructural characteristics and hardness of Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloys
Authors: Xue Xiongwen , Wang Qiang , Song Xiaoqian , Yan Zhaoming , Zheng Jie , Gao Chang , Yin Caihong , Xue Yong
Published: December 2020

In this study, Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloys were fabricated and subjected to 3 passes of cyclic expansion-extrusion with an asymmetrical cavity (CEE-AEC). The influence of the CEE-AEC together with the heat treatment on the microstructural characteristics and hardness were investigated systematically, through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Vickers hardness testing machine. The results illuminated that the introduction of the strains through CEE-AEC has a significant effect on the heat treatment of the specimens. The precipitation of the second phases particles was remarkably accelerated, including the lamellar phases in solution treatment, the grain boundary precipitates and the equilibrium β phases in ageing treatment. Likewise, the hardness of the investigated samples was obviously improved by the comprehensive effect of the CEE-AEC together with the heat treatment, and the peak aging time of the CEE-AEC samples was substantially advanced relative to the as-cast ones. The enhanced hardness owned relatively high thermal stability in the ambient temperature. The precipitation sequence of 3 CEE-AEC passes alloy aged at 225 °C was as follows: supersaturated solid solution Mg (S.S.S.S)→β″ (DO19)→β′ (bco)→β
1 (fcc)→β (fcc).
Radiological characteristics of a new experimental rubber elastomeric polymer used in three-dimensional printing with different infill densities and patterns
Authors: Talalwa Lotfi , Natour Ghaleb , Bauer Andreas , Drzezga Alexander , Beer Simone
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate new 3D printable materials, namely PORO-LAY series in both solid and flexible forms, on behalf of their radiological properties by measuring their Hounsfield units (HUs) values at varying infill densities, different infill structures and several kinds of fluids in order to assess their suitability as tissue mimicking materials (TMMs) for phantom applications. In this study, it was found that PORO-LAY materials can be used to achieve low and high values of HU ranges from −990 to +950 depending on their infill density and the filling fluids. In addition, PORO-LAY materials have an acceptable dimensional stability and dimensional accuracy in their solid and flexible forms. The results also indicate that the shape of infill pattern influences the values of HU with percentage difference ranges from 3 to 33% depending on the selected infill structure. The results of this study showed that PORO-LAY materials were feasible to be used as TMMs for CT and PET/CT applications.
A systematic review of floating and beach landing records of Sargassum beyond the Sargasso Sea
Authors: Fidai Y A , Dash J , Tompkins E L , Tonon T
Published: December 2020

Sargassum algal blooms on ocean surfaces and landings of huge Sargassum mats on beaches is an emerging global environmental challenge with wide socio-economic and environmental implications. Literature on Sargassum growth cycles, travel patterns, species and morphotypes, and quantified impacts have tended to focus on a geographic region, or a specific event. Few, if any, publications document long term continuous monitoring of Sargassum blooms in large areas such as the Pacific, or the tropical Atlantic. To address this gap, this paper systematically reviews the global evidence of Sargassum bloom monitoring beyond the Sargasso Sea, and identifies gaps in the evidence base of floating and landing influxes. This systematic review uses combinations of two key terms relating to Sargassum and monitoring, and utilises the resources in ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Google Scholar. The analysis moves us past a classic literature review, and produces an unbiased assessment of empirical research on Sargassum monitoring from 1960 to 2019. We find a significant research focus on open-ocean blooms and floating mats whereas research on beach landings and their associated impacts is comparatively limited. Research is focused within specific countries or water bodies (notably, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and North Atlantic Ocean) and tends not to comprehensively assess neighbouring or regional shorelines, for example, West Africa and Central America. There was a lack of consistency in the application of methods for quantifying Sargassum biomass volume (including dry/wet weight, unit of measurement, and spatial extent of calculations). Further, in many publications Sargassum species identification was omitted. Given current attempts to understand the drivers and impacts of the exponential growth in Sargassum in some parts of the world, a consistent and replicable research approach to monitoring Sargassum could support creation of a Sargassum evidence database. To move this agenda forwards, we propose a definition for a Sargassum ‘event’: a continuous bloom of any Sargassum in open oceans, or, an aggregation of landed Sargassum, with the potential to disrupt social, economic or ecosystem functioning, or to impact human health. This review highlights the importance of standardising Sargassum monitoring methods to facilitate improved documentation of temporal and spatial patterns of Sargassum blooms and beach landings.
Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: An Initiative of the Occupational Carcinogen Surveillance System in Korea
Authors: Koh Dong-Hee , Park Ju-Hyun , Lee Sang-Gil , Kim Hwan-Cheol , Choi Sangjun , Jung Hyejung , Kim Inah , Park Donguk
Published: December 2020

Objective

To prevent occupational cancers, carcinogen exposure surveillance systems have been developed in many countries. This study aimed to develop a carcinogen exposure database specific to South Korea.

Methods

Twenty known human carcinogens were selected for this study. The International Standard Classification of Industry was used for a classification scheme of industries. Three nationwide occupational exposure databases, the Work Environment Measurement Database, the Special Health Examination Database, and the Work Environment Condition Survey, were used to calculate reference exposure prevalence estimates by carcinogen and industry. Then, 37 professional industrial hygienists with at least 19 years of field experience provided their own exposure prevalence estimates, after reviewing the abovementioned reference estimates derived from three data sources. The median value of the experts’ estimates was used as the final exposure prevalence. Finally, the number of exposed workers was computed by multiplying the final exposure prevalence by the number of workers extracted from the 2010 national census data by carcinogen and industry.

Results

The exposure prevalence and the number of exposed workers were calculated according to 20 carcinogen and 228 minor industrial groups, assuming year 2010 circumstances. The largest population was exposed to welding fumes (326 822 workers), followed by ultraviolet radiation (238 937 workers), ionizing radiation (168 712 workers), and mineral oil mist (146 798 workers).

Conclusions

Our results provide critical data on carcinogen exposure for the prevention of occupational cancers.