bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology control of nickel nanoparticles prepared in situ within silica aerogels produced by novel ambient pressure drying
Authors: Lu Jialu , Wang Jiabin , Hassan Khalil T. , Talmantaite Alina , Xiao Zhengguang , Hunt Michael R. C. , Šiller Lidija
Published: July 2020

Silica aerogels are low density solids with high surface area and high porosity which are ideal supports for catalyst materials. The main challenge in aerogel production is the drying process, which must remove liquid from the pores of the wet gel while maintaining the solid network. In this work, the synthesis of silica aerogels and nickel-doped silica aerogels by a low energy budget process is demonstrated. Silica aerogels are produced by ambient drying using ammonium bicarbonate, rather than a conventional low surface tension solvent. Heating dissociates the ammonium bicarbonate, so generating CO2 and NH3 within the pores of the wet gel which prevents pore collapse during drying. Nickel-doped aerogels were produced by reducing nickel ions within pre-synthesised silica aerogels. The morphology of the resulting nickel particles—spheres, wires and chains—could be controlled through an appropriate choice of synthesis conditions. Materials were characterized using nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The surface area of undoped aerogel is found to increase with the concentration of ammonium bicarbonate salts from 360 to 530 m2 g−1, and that of nickel-doped silica aerogel varies from 240 to 310 m2 g−1 with nickel doping conditions.
Relationship of primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and atopia among children: a case control study
Authors: Bahoush Gholamreza , Poorasgari Amirbahador , Nojomi Marzieh
Published: July 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease affecting 10–30% of children and 2–10% of adults worldwide. It is manifested by the pruritus eczema lesions on the skin. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common cause of acute onset of thrombocytopenia in childhood. The aim of this study was association of primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and atopia among children. This case control study was performed on patients with acute and chronic ITP who were confirmed by a hematologist. The control group was also selected from the siblings of the patients who were healthy and almost matched by age and sex with the patient group. Data were entered into a questionnaire under the SPSS-20 program, and demographic data were analyzed descriptively. In the present study, 120 patients were enrolled, 60 of whom were in the patient group and 60 in the control group. Mean age was 95 and 98 months for patients and control. This study showed a significant association of ITP with allergic rhinitis (P = 0.02), atopic dermatitis (P = 0.004), itching (P = 0.042), and dry skin (P = 0.015). However, no significant relationship was found between ITP and asthma (P-value = 0.18). This study does not reveal the causality between atopy and ITP but clearly shows the association between atopy and ITP disease, so the prevalence of atopy in ITP patients is higher than the normal population. According to the results of this study, it is necessary to investigate the cause of atopy and ITP and to find other immunological and possibly genetic commonalities.
Potential therapeutic effect of targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3β in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bolidong Dilireba , Domoto Takahiro , Uehara Masahiro , Sabit Hemragul , Okumura Tomoyuki , Endo Yoshio , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Ninomiya Itasu , Miyashita Tomoharu , Wong Richard W. , Minamoto Toshinari
Published: July 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer and is often refractory to current therapies. Development of efficient therapeutic strategies against ESCC presents a major challenge. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β has emerged as a multipotent therapeutic target in various diseases including cancer. Here we investigated the biology and pathological role of GSK3β in ESCC and explored the therapeutic effects of its inhibition. The expression of GSK3β and tyrosine (Y)216 phosphorylation-dependent activity was higher in human ESCC cell lines and primary tumors than untransformed esophageal squamous TYNEK-3 cells from an ESCC patient and tumor-adjacent normal esophageal mucosa. GSK3β-specific inhibitors and small interfering (si)RNA-mediated knockdown of GSK3β attenuated tumor cell survival and proliferation, while inducing apoptosis in ESCC cells and their xenograft tumors in mice. GSK3β inhibition spared TYNEK-3 cells and the vital organs of mice. The therapeutic effect of GSK3β inhibition in tumor cells was associated with G0/G1- and G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 and increased expression of cyclin B1. These results suggest the tumor-promoting role of GSK3β is via cyclin D1/CDK4-mediated cell cycle progression. Consequently, our study provides a biological rationale for GSK3β as a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.
Cdc42 regulates cell polarization and contractile actomyosin rings during terminal differentiation of human erythroblasts
Authors: Ubukawa Kumi , Goto Tatsufumi , Asanuma Ken , Sasaki Yumi , Guo Yong-Mei , Kobayashi Isuzu , Sawada Kenichi , Wakui Hideki , Takahashi Naoto
Published: July 2020

The molecular mechanisms involved in the terminal differentiation of erythroblasts have been elucidated by comparing enucleation and cell division. Although various similarities and differences between erythroblast enucleation and cytokinesis have been reported, the mechanisms that control enucleation remain unclear. We previously reported that dynein and microtubule-organizing centers mediated the polarization of nuclei in human erythroblasts. Moreover, the accumulation of F-actin was noted during the enucleation of erythroblasts. Therefore, during enucleation, upstream effectors in the signal transduction pathway regulating dynein or actin, such as cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42), may be crucial. We herein investigated the effects of the Cdc42 inhibitor, CASIN, on cytokinesis and enucleation in colony-forming units-erythroid (CFU-Es) and mature erythroblasts (day 10). CASIN blocked the proliferation of CFU-Es and their enucleation in a dose-dependent manner. Dynein adopted an island-like distribution in the cytoplasm of non-treated CFU-Es, but was concentrated near the nucleus as a dot and co-localized with γ-tubulin in CASIN-treated cells. CASIN blocked the accumulation of F-actin in CFU-Es and day 10 cells. These results demonstrated that Cdc42 plays an important role in cytokinesis, nuclear polarization and nuclear extrusion through a relationship with dynein and actin filament organization during the terminal differentiation of erythroblasts.
Rapid-prototyping a Brownian particle in an active bath
Authors: Park Jin Tae , Paneru Govind , Kwon Chulan , Granick Steve , Pak Hyuk Kyu
Published: July 2020

We study the diffusion of a Brownian particle in presence of programmed active forces. The model's generic simplicity allows us to quantify the observed enhanced Gaussian or non-Gaussian diffusion in an active bath.
Morphological Awareness Skills of Second- and Third-Grade Students With and Without Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Apel Kenn , Henbest Victoria S.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Morphological awareness is the ability to consciously manipulate the smallest units of meaning in language. Morphological awareness contributes to success with literacy skills for children with typical language and those with language impairment. However, little research has focused on the morphological awareness skills of children with speech sound disorders (SSD), who may be at risk for literacy impairments. No researcher has examined the morphological awareness skills of children with SSD and compared their skills to children with typical speech using tasks representing a comprehensive definition of morphological awareness, which was the main purpose of this study.

Method

Thirty second- and third-grade students with SSD and 30 with typical speech skills, matched on age and receptive vocabulary, completed four morphological awareness tasks and measures of receptive vocabulary, real-word reading, pseudoword reading, and word-level spelling.

Results

Results indicated there was no difference between the morphological awareness skills of students with and without SSD. Although morphological awareness was moderately to strongly related to the students' literacy skills, performance on the morphological awareness tasks contributed little to no additional variance to the children's real-word reading and spelling skills beyond what was accounted for by pseudoword reading.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that early elementary-age students with SSD may not present with concomitant morphological awareness difficulties and that the morphological awareness skills of these students may not play a unique role in their word-level literacy skills. Limitations and suggestions for future research on the morphological awareness skills of children with SSD are discussed.
Collecting Words: A Clinical Example of a Morphology-Focused Orthographic Intervention
Authors: Murphy Kimberly A. , Diehm Emily A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Morphological interventions promote gains in morphological knowledge and in other oral and written language skills (e.g., phonological awareness, vocabulary, reading, and spelling), yet we have a limited understanding of critical intervention features. In this clinical focus article, we describe a relatively novel approach to teaching morphology that considers its role as the key organizing principle of English orthography. We also present a clinical example of such an intervention delivered during a summer camp at a university speech and hearing clinic.

Method

Graduate speech-language pathology students provided a 6-week morphology-focused orthographic intervention to children in first through fourth grade (
n
= 10) who demonstrated word-level reading and spelling difficulties. The intervention focused children's attention on morphological families, teaching how morphology is interrelated with phonology and etymology in English orthography.

Results

Comparing pre- and posttest scores, children demonstrated improvement in reading and/or spelling abilities, with the largest gains observed in spelling affixes within polymorphemic words. Children and their caregivers reacted positively to the intervention. Therefore, data from the camp offer preliminary support for teaching morphology within the context of written words, and the intervention appears to be a feasible approach for simultaneously increasing morphological knowledge, reading, and spelling.

Conclusion

Children with word-level reading and spelling difficulties may benefit from a morphology-focused orthographic intervention, such as the one described here. Research on the approach is warranted, and clinicians are encouraged to explore its possible effectiveness in their practice.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12290687
A high redshift population of galaxies at the North Ecliptic Pole
Authors: Barrufet L. , Pearson C. , Serjeant S. , Małek K. , Baronchelli I. , Campos-Varillas M. C. , White G. J. , Valtchanov I. , Matsuhara H. , Conversi L. , Kim S. J. , Goto T. , Oi N. , Malkan M. , Kim H. , Ikeda H. , Takagi T. , Toba Y. , Miyaji T.
Published: July 2020

Context. Dusty high-z galaxies are extreme objects with high star formation rates (SFRs) and luminosities. Characterising the properties of this population and analysing their evolution over cosmic time is key to understanding galaxy evolution in the early Universe.

Aims. We select a sample of high-z dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) and evaluate their position on the main sequence (MS) of star-forming galaxies, the well-known correlation between stellar mass and SFR. We aim to understand the causes of their high star formation and quantify the percentage of DSFGs that lie above the MS.

Methods. We adopted a multi-wavelength approach with data from optical to submillimetre wavelengths from surveys at the North Ecliptic Pole to study a submillimetre sample of high-redshift galaxies. Two submillimetre selection methods were used, including: sources selected at 850 μm with the Sub-millimetre Common-User Bolometer Array 2) SCUBA-2 instrument and Herschel-Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) selected sources (colour-colour diagrams and 500 μm risers), finding that 185 have good multi-wavelength coverage. The resulting sample of 185 high-z candidates was further studied by spectral energy distribution fitting with the CIGALE fitting code. We derived photometric redshifts, stellar masses, SFRs, and additional physical parameters, such as the infrared luminosity and active galactic nuclei (AGN) contribution.

Results. We find that the Herschel-SPIRE selected DSFGs generally have higher redshifts (z = 2.57−0.09+0.08) than sources that are selected solely by the SCUBA-2 method (z = 1.45−0.06+0.21). We find moderate SFRs (797−50+108 M⊙ yr−1), which are typically lower than those found in other studies. We find that the different results in the literature are, only in part, due to selection effects, as even in the most extreme cases, SFRs are still lower than a few thousand solar masses per year. The difference in measured SFRs affects the position of DSFGs on the MS of galaxies; most of the DSFGs lie on the MS (60%). Finally, we find that the star formation efficiency (SFE) depends on the epoch and intensity of the star formation burst in the galaxy; the later the burst, the more intense the star formation. We discuss whether the higher SFEs in DSFGs could be due to mergers.
Tracing bulk elemental ratios in exoplanetary atmospheres with TiO chemistry
Authors: Ramírez Vanesa , Cridland Alexander J. , Mollière Paul
Published: July 2020

Deciphering the bulk elemental abundances of exoplanetary atmospheres is not an easy task, yet it is crucial to understanding the formation history of planets. The purpose of this work is to show that the observability of TiO features at optical wavelengths in the transmission spectra of hot Jupiter atmospheres is sensitive to the bulk chemical properties of the atmosphere. To this end, we ran a grid of chemical models, which include TiO formation and destruction, for the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-19b and an ultra-hot version of HD 209458b. We take into account non-equilibrium chemistry and changes in the temperature and pressure structure of these atmospheres caused by different C/O ratios. We calculated synthetic transmission spectra for these models, and studied the relative strengths of TiO and H2O features quantitatively. To compare with observations, we used a model-independent metric for molecular abundances, ΔZTiO−H2O/Heq, which has previously been used in observational studies of exoplanetary atmospheres. We find that with this metric we can differentiate between different chemical models and place constraints on the bulk carbon and oxygen abundances of the atmosphere. From chemical considerations, we expected the TiO abundance to depend on the bulk nitrogen. However, we find that changes in N/H do not result in changes in the resulting TiO. We applied our method to a set of known exoplanets that have been observed in the relevant optical wavelengths and find good agreement between low-resolution observations and our model for WASP-121b, marginally good agreement with WASP-79b, WASP-76b, and WASP-19b, and poorer agreement with HD 209458b. Our method will be particularly helpful for indirect studies of the bulk abundances of carbon and oxygen.
Long, depolarising Hα-filament towards the Monogem ring
Authors: Reich Wolfgang , Reich Patricia , Sun Xiaohui
Published: July 2020

Context. In soft X-rays, the Monogem ring is an object with a diameter of 25° located in the Galactic anti-centre. It is believed to be a faint, evolved, local supernova remnant. The ring is also visible in the far-ultraviolet, and a few optical filaments are related. It is not seen at radio wavelengths, as other large supernova remnants are.

Aims. We study a narrow about 4.°5 long, faint Hα-filament, G203.7 + 11.5, that is seen towards the centre of the Monogem ring. It causes depolarisation and excessive Faraday rotation of radio polarisation data.

Methods. Polarisation observations at λ11 cm and λ21 cm with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope were analysed in addition to WMAP data, extragalactic rotation measures, and Hα data. A Faraday-screen model was applied.

Results. From the analysis of the depolarisation properties of the Hα filament, we derived a line-of-sight magnetic field, B||, of 26 ± 5 μG for a distance of 300 pc and an electron density, ne, of 1.6 cm−3. The absolute largest rotation measure of G203.7 + 11.5 is −86 ± 3 rad m−2, where the magnetic field direction has the opposite sign from the large-scale Galactic field. We estimated the average synchrotron emissivity at λ21 cm up to 300 pc distance towards G203.7 + 11.5 to about 1.1 K Tb/kpc, which is higher than typical Milky Way values.

Conclusions. The magnetic field within G203.7 + 11.5 is unexpected in direction and strength. Most likely, the filament is related to the Monogem-ring shock, where interactions with ambient clouds may cause local magnetic field reversals. We confirm earlier findings of an enhanced but direction-dependent local synchrotron emissivity.
CT-guided Interventional Therapy of Back Pain – Predictors of Success in Treatment
Authors: Stueckle Christoph Alexander , Talarczyk Sarah , Hackert Benedikt , Wawro Martin , Haage Patrick , Weger Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Purpose The aim of the presented study was to investigate if distribution of the drug-contrast medium mixture in CT-guided periradicular therapy can predict intervention success.

Materials and Methods Over a 15-month period, 97 patients admitted to our institution by a pain physician for CT guided periradicular therapy were treated. In 420 CT guided interventions, we measured the relative distribution of the drug mixture in relationship to the neuroforamen. The distribution was correlated to the patient’s pain score over time. In addition, dependence of success in treatment with regards to the treating physician was evaluated.

Results Ninety percent of the patients experienced a decrease of pain score under therapy, only 10 % showed no change. On average there was an improvement in pain score from 7.4 (2–10) before therapy to 3.7 (0–9) at the end of therapy. We observed a weak correlation of –0.22 (p < 0.028) between distribution of drug mixture to the neuroforamen and reduction of pain score. The therapy outcome displayed a dependency regarding the treating physician (p < 0.0084).

Conclusion CT guided periradicular therapy offers good pain reduction in most of the patients. Drug distribution near the affected nerve and treating physician are factors for clinical success.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Medizintechnik: Zwischen Auftragsboom und blanker Angst
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: July 2020

Die Mehrheit der Medizintechnikhersteller blickt mit Sorge in die unmittelbare Zukunft. Ihre wichtigsten Kunden – die Krankenhäuser – kämpfen mit den Folgen der Pandemie. Die Not der Kliniken schlägt durch auf die Auftragsbücher der Industrie. Gleichzeitig brummt das Geschäft für die Hersteller von intensivmedizinischer Ausrüstung, Schutzkleidung oder Beatmungsgeräten.
ECM-based microfluidic gradient generator for tunable surface environment by interstitial flow
Authors: Shimizu Azusa , Goh Wei Huang , Itai Shun , Karyappa Rahul , Hashimoto Michinao , Onoe Hiroaki
Published: July 2020

We present an extracellular matrix (ECM)-based gradient generator that provides a culture surface with continuous chemical concentration gradients created by interstitial flow. The gelatin-based microchannels harboring gradient generators and in-channel micromixers were rapidly fabricated by sacrificial molding of a 3D-printed water-soluble sacrificial mold. When fluorescent dye solutions were introduced into the channel, the micromixers enhanced mixing of two solutions joined at the junction. Moreover, the concentration gradients generated in the channel diffused to the culture surface of the device through the interstitial space facilitated by the porous nature of the ECM. To check the functionality of the gradient generator for investigating cellular responses to chemical factors, we demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on the surface shrunk in response to the concentration gradient of histamine generated by interstitial flow from the microchannel. We believe that our device could be useful for the basic biological study of the cellular response to chemical stimuli and for the in vitro platform in drug testing.
Voltammetric determination of Diclofenac at a PEDOT modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Jaramillo-Aguirre Alonso-E , Espitia-H José-A. , Castro-Narváez Sandra , Rojas Giovanni
Published: July 2020

In this study, the electrochemical behavior of diclofenac (DCF), a widely used NSAID drug, was undertaken at a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). A low-cost, sensitive, stable, and selective electrochemical sensor is proposed for the determination of this analyte by using differential pulse voltammetry in 0.10 M phosphate buffer solution, pH 8.00. At the Surface of GCE, EDOT (3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) was electropolymerized by chronocoulometry, the charge injected was carefully controlled. The polymerization parameters were 20.0 mM EDOT, H2SO4 pH 1.50, step potential from 0.0 V to 1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat), for 60 ms. The modified GCE displayed a significant enhancement of the anodic peak current compared to the bare electrode, measured by DPV. A calibration graph of the modified electrode exhibited an increase of the peak current about 63% with respect to the bare. The electropolymerized sensor was applied to DCF quantitation in pharmaceutical preparations with a relative standard deviation of 0.40%. It was also used in urine analysis. The limit of detection of this sensor was 9.06 nM compared to 1.37 μM for the bare electrode.
On-line HPLC/SPME Interface using dynamic extraction
Authors: Kayali-Sayadi M. N. , Polo-Díez L. M. , Rios-Acevedo J. J.
Published: July 2020

This study describes the determination of Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in water using a new modification for the commercial SPME-HPLC interface which incorporates a dynamic SPME-HPLC extraction and vibration in the desorption chamber during the extraction and desorption steps. Extraction and desorption parameters were investigated using fourteen PAHs of different volatilities (naphthalene, acenaphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene) as test compounds and fluorimetric detection. Regression coefficients close to 0.99 with RSD < 8.1% and detection limits in the range 0.004-0.59 µg/L were found. A method was applied to determine the above PAHs in water samples. The results were compared with the 550.1 EPA method at the 0.05 significance level.
Disorder effect on mass-asymmetry in monolayer black phosphorus
Authors: Quintero J. H. , Garcia-Castro A.C. , Páez C. J.
Published: July 2020

In this work, we calculated the band structure for the monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) from the slater-Koster tight-binding method, where the effect of s-p mixing is considered. Using the new parameters, we studied the electronic properties of phosphorene. The electronic properties were calculated using the recursive Green’s Function method. From the resistance calculation, we showed that electrons in the ZZ directions had an effective mass ten times larger than those in the AC direction, which agrees with experimental results. We investigated the effect of disorder on the anisotropy of the effective mass and we showed that the intrinsic anisotropy is robust to the presence of disorder.
A preliminary study of oxides of Fe doped with Ba, Co, Cu and synthetized by the citrate sol–gel combustion route
Authors: Basante-Delgado Sandra F. , González-Vidal Dalliver , Morales-Morales Jimmy A. , Aperador-Chaparro William A. , Gómez-Cuaspud Jairo A.
Published: July 2020

In the present work we report the synthesis of mixed ferrites doped with Co2+, Cu2+and Ba2+cations, using citrate sol–gel combustion route in air atmosphere, at 950 °C for 3 hours, produced substituted M-type barium ferrites powders particles with crystallite sizes varying between 145 and 155 nm. The percentages of yield obtained were on average 42%. The synthesized ferrites were characterized by techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, evidencing the formation of M-type barium hexaferrite and copper and cobalt substituted M-type barium ferrite with hematite in smaller proportion. The possible growth of M-type barium ferrite with copper and cobalt may be due to a larger size of the cobalt atom with respect to copper and that a higher proportion of cobalt salt was used in the synthesis route. Increase in the metal ion substituted content leads to a decrease in the lattice strain and may be responsible for an increase in the crystallite size because greater tensile strain leads to elongation of the particles. The particle size of the synthesized ferrites differs significantly when they are doped, with Ferrite doped with copper having the smallest particle size compared to Ferrite doped with cobalt. We also performed spectroscopic analyses, RAMAN that showed, the substitution of cooper or cobalt in the M-type barium ferrite powders particle leads to a minor intensity of resonance band when compared with the parent compound and the differences between Fe3+, Cu2+and Co2+ions in a tetrahedral coordination is their ionic radii. The increase in the ionic radii causes a local distortion and vibrational bands of distorted polyhedra in substituted M-type barium ferrites. The chemical composition of this sample was determined as Ba1.0Fe11.83O19.22, Ba1.0Co1.02Fe11.01O18.35and Ba1.02Cu0.56Fe11.35O18.26using an AAS device. Both are very close to the theoretical formula. The influence of the synthesized ferrite samples was explored in the ozonation of a dye of unknown chemical structure. The effect was evidenced by visible ultraviolet spectroscopy technique. The results obtained show that the ink could be decolorized by applying oxidation by ozonation, however, when substituted M-type barium ferrite is added, the discoloration increases when this is doped with copper and cobalt, being higher using this last ferrite. The degradation process by ozonation presented in this work, carried out in the presence of copper and cobalt substituted M-type barium ferrites, would constitute an example of technology for the environment.
Photocatalitic Activity of N-doping TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by the Sol-Gel Technique
Authors: Vallejo William , Calderon Daniela , Díaz-Uribe Carlos
Published: July 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a very stable semiconductor physically and chemically, it is an abundant material and harmless to nature. Currently, TiO2 is one of the most used photocatalysts to degrade organic molecules in both water and air during purification processes. In this work, we fabricated Nitrogen-doped TiO2 powders by the Sol-Gel method, the Titanium tetraisopropoxide and urea were as reagents; subsequently, the materials were supported as thin films on glass using the technique of Doctor Blade. The materials were characterized by using different analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The XRD results indicated that TiO2 films presented a single crystalline phase, corresponding to the anatase. Besides, Raman spectroscopy verified the nitrogen incorporation in the crystal lattice of TiO2 after the doping process. Furthermore, DRS results showed an improvement in optical photo-response at the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, the band-gap narrowing was verified from 3.25 eV for unmodified TiO2 thin films until 2.84 eV TiO2–N(5%) thin films. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of materials was studied during methylene blue (MB) degradation, the photocatalytic degradation results indicated the doping process enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation.
Synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles and their bactericidal effects on E. coli, S. epidermidis and oral plaque
Authors: Fernando Ramirez Juan , Ortiz Juliana , Andrés Cuellar Jorge , Andrés Naranjo Carlos , Nelly Jiménez Francy , Moscoso Londoño Oscar
Published: July 2020

Silver nanoparticles have been obtained by colloidal synthesis using two different reducing agents: ascorbic acid and ethylene glycol. The colloids have been characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, atomic absorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-visible spectra show the typical peak with a maximum ranging between 390-420 nm, due to the plasmon resonance of spherical silver nanoparticles. TEM micrographs show non-aggregated spherical silver nanoparticles whit diameters between 30 and 50 nm. The antibacterial effect was tested in three different bacteria cultures: Escherichia coli (gram negative), Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram positive) and dental plaque, which were grown in Mueller-Hinton agar. For comparative purposes the bactericidal effect of silver nitrate was also evaluated. Inhibition index (IIC) was calculated, obtaining satisfactory results for the three kinds of microorganism when silver nanoparticles are used.
The influence of pulsed laser ablation in liquids parameters on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Perez-Lopez Carlos Andres , Perez-Taborda Jaime Andres , Riascos Henry , Avila Alba
Published: July 2020

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) synthesis of Nanoparticles (NPs) is a bottom-up process with the advantage of the absence of chemical reagents in the solutions. In this process, NPs shape and diameter distributions on PLAL experimental parameters. We research the hydrodynamic diameter of the ZnO Nps correlation to media, wavelength, fluence, and irradiation time. Nine solutions, five in methanol and four in ultra-pure water were processed with fluences ranged from 4 to 15 J cm−2, target irradiation times from 8 to 15 min, and for wavelength of 532 nm and 1064 nm. We characterized the morphology and diameter distribution using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Results showed that prolonging the irradiation time, reduces the diameter of the ZnO NPs by 41.4 % in methanol and increases it by 19.8 % in ultra-pure water. Change of medium from ultra-pure water to methanol revealed a maximum decrease of 84.2 % in NPs diameter while lowering the fluence resulted in a 62.6 % diameter reduction. The experimental results indicate that the medium and fluence were the most relevant parameters to obtain small NPs in methanol media with 80 nm diameter at 5 J cm−2, a wavelength of 1064 nm, and 20 min irradiation time and the diameter was less dependent on wavelength. Understanding the synthesis parameters and their effect on Nps diameter dispersion is critical for the scaling-up production to meet the PLAL’s promise of several grams per hour.
Least-Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) Parameters Optimization using Hybrid Cuckoo Search and Harmony Search Algorithm for Pre Collision Warning on Driver Assistance System (DAS)
Authors: Sumarudin A , Puspaningrum A , Suheryadi A
Published: July 2020

The growth of technology has triggered transportation sector to deliver various kind of advantages. One of them is pre collision warning. There are several steps in warning a collision, namely classifying and predicting the collisions then. Many supervised machine learning algorithms have been conducted, one of well known algorithm is Least Square – Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM). Radial Based Function (RBF) is one of LS-SVM kernels which is well-known method to support reliable performance. However, C and Gamma of its parameters are chosen randomly. This makes the performance of the classifier less optimal. So that, hybrid cuckoo search and harmony search algorithm is conducted to optimize LSSVM parameters in this research. 8437 transportation records were used in the experiment and evaluated by using accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed method was also evaluated using several metaheuristic optimization algorithms namely Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CS-SVM), Bat Algorithm (BA-SVM), and Firefly Algorithm (FA-SVM). Experimental results show that hybrid Cuckoo Search and Harmony Search Algorithm (CSHS-SVM) successfully enhance the performance by reaching 84.513% for accuracy, compared to Cuckoo Search Algorithm, Bat Algorithm, and Firefly Algorithm.
A New Image Segmentation of Leptomeningeal Metastasis in Leukemia Patients
Authors: Ilmadina H Z , Arymurthy A M , Rosalina
Published: July 2020

Leptomeningeal metastasis is an indication of the malignancy that occurs in leukemia patients. Although it only has a 5-10% portion caused the leukemia patient to relapse, the abnormality is the basis in determining the best treatment given to them. Leptomeningeal metastasis are better detected by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) because of their high sensitivity in neuraxis images. High ability to see and analyze is needed for a radiologist in reading the Brain MRI results of leukemia patients with suspect leptomeningeal metastasis. Therefore, the classification will take a long time and allow for the misreading of the results. In this experiment, we used a dataset from the Brain MRI of leukemia patients of Dharmais Cancer Hospital. We implemented the proposed method in performing the leptomeningeal metastasis segmentation. The preprocessing image applied for sharpening and removing unwanted noises in the image using the Median Filter. A hybrid semi-automated skull stripping was also developed to improve the accuracy of the segmentation. Then Fuzzy C-Means is used to segment the abnormalities and reach an average evaluation performance at 49.1% Jaccard Index.
Development of Radar-based Sensor System for Smart Level Crossing Technology
Authors: Rosyidi M , Irawati N , Nugroho S , Bismantoko S , Widodo T , Harvono A , Chasanah U
Published: July 2020

This research focuses on the development of Smart Level Crossing for preventing the accidents in the level crossing by detecting train at a certain distance before reaching the train gate inside the level crossing area. In order to detect the train in the level crossing, sensors for detecting train and communication systems that sends data to the train gate must be determined. This research tries to utilize a radar-based sensor as main part for train detection. This system would communicate with the micro-controller to accordingly carry out the gate closing and opening operations. Warning lamp and warning light would be present to warn off pedestrians that use level area crossing. Manual back up system will replace the automatic system in the case of smart level crossing system sensor fail to trigger.
Networked Control System in Quadrotor Altitude Control with Time Delay Compensation
Authors: Panuntun R , Wahyunggoro O , Herdjunanto S , Rafsanzani A R , Setiawan N
Published: July 2020

Networked control system (NCS), which has the advantage of control signal efficiency, suits quadrotor control scheme. However, the application of NCS in quadrotor may suffer from time delay. Thus, a strategy for compensating time delay is needed. In this paper, we used Smith predictor to compensate delay in quadrotor altitude control. Simulation experiment with quadrotor model indicates that the addition of Smith predictor successfully tracked reference signal with better performance compared to the conventional method in various time delay, even under simulated wind disturbance.
Prototype of Integrated Livestock Recording Application with Animal Identification and Certification System in Kebumen
Authors: Subagyo U , Ardiansyah D
Published: July 2020

The Department of Agriculture and Food of Kebumen has utilized information technology to register livestock and provide identity cards to livestock with the Livestock Card Database system. Unfortunately, between the Livestock Card Database System and the Recording and Certification System was not integrated, so there is one job carried out by two officers. Data on making livestock cards comes from forms filled out by data officers in the village area from livestock, while data recording comes from recording officers from members of herding group / designated officers. The output of this research is in the form of an Android-based recording application prototype design, which is integrated with the livestock card database system as an identification system, and the recording and certification system as a system for animalcertification.
Surface Deformation due to the 2017-2018 Agung Volcano Eruption from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) Sentinel-1 TOPS
Authors: Suwarsono  , Triyono D , Khomarudin M R , Rokhmatuloh
Published: July 2020

This paper described the application of Sentinel-1 TOPS (Terrain Observation by Progressive Scans) SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) to analyze the surface deformation of the Agung Volcano due to 2017-2018 eruption. Agung volcano is an active stratovolcano located in eastern part of Bali island. We processed the interferometric from a pair of Sentinel-1A each representing before and after eruption periods. The results of this research showed that the eruption of Agung Volcano during 2017-2018 has caused surface deformation. The deformation that occurs was related to changes in land surface due to lava and pyroclastic deposits resulting from the eruption process in the area around the crater and the northern slope.
Collaborative impact of the NAO and atmospheric blocking on European heatwaves, with a focus on the hot summer of 2018
Authors: Li Muyuan , Yao Yao , Simmonds Ian , Luo Dehai , Zhong Linhao , Chen Xiaodan
Published: July 2020

Two intense heatwaves of July and early August 2018 are found to be associated with a European blocking (EB) event accompanied by a series of consecutive positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) events. Further analyses show that the collaborative role of an EB event and its upstream NAO+ pattern could increase the frequency, persistence, magnitude and scale of heatwaves over Europe. Compared with NAO+-unrelated EB events, NAO+-related EB events are less movable (quasi-stationary) and more persistent over Europe, which could contribute to an increase in the intensity and persistence of heatwaves. In addition, the blocking high of this type has a northeast–southwest orientation with stronger warm airflow and less precipitation in northern and western Europe, where large scopes of higher temperatures tend to occur. In contrast, NAO+-unrelated EB events without orientation correspond to a trough in the south, which results in increased precipitation and cold air in the southern part of Europe, and thus high temperatures contract to the northern part of Europe. Moreover, considering that the NAO+ pattern leads the formation of an EB event, the NAO+ pattern might serve as a potential predictor for European heatwaves. Our conclusions are strongly supported by the analysis of CMIP6 historical simulations which also capture the differences of high temperatures and atmospheric circulations between NAO+-related EB events and NAO+-unrelated EB events.
Does Combining Severe and Mild Cases of COVID-19 Produce Low Fatality Rates After Treatment With Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin?
Authors: Fleury Vincent
Published: July 2020

In this issue of the Journal, Dr. Risch (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(11):1218–1226) posits that the use of a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as an outpatient treatment for high-risk patients with coronavirus 19 should be increased as a way to help curtail the ongoing pandemic. However, a calculation error occurred in the original article, and new data about the studies cited have come to light. Peculiarities in the methods of data collection and reporting in those original sources must be considered when evaluating the evidence for or against hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin bitherapy.
Clinical impact and ‘natural’ course of uncorrected tricuspid regurgitation after implantation of a left ventricular assist device: an analysis of the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS)
Authors: Veen Kevin M , Mokhles Mostafa M , Soliman Osama , de By Theo M.M.H , Mohacsi Paul , Schoenrath Felix , Paluszkiewicz Lech , Netuka Ivan , Bogers Ad J.J.C , Takkenberg Johanna J.M , Caliskan Kadir ,   the EUROMACS Investigators
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

Data on the impact and course of uncorrected tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation are scarce and inconsistent. This study explores the clinical impact and natural course of uncorrected TR in patients after LVAD implantation.

METHODS

The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support was used to identify adult patients with LVAD implants without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery. A mediation model was developed to assess the association of TR with 30-day mortality via other risk factors. Generalized mixed models were used to model the course of post-LVAD TR. Joint models were used to perform sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 2496 procedures were included (median age: 56 years; men: 83%). TR was not directly associated with higher 30-day mortality, but mediation analyses suggested an indirect association via preoperative elevated right atrial pressure and creatinine (P = 0.035) and bilirubin (P = 0.027) levels. Post-LVAD TR was also associated with increased late mortality [hazard ratio 1.16 (1.06–1.3); P = 0.001]. On average, uncorrected TR diminished after LVAD implantation. The probability of having moderate-to-severe TR immediately after an implant in patients with none-to-mild TR pre-LVAD was 10%; in patients with moderate-to-severe TR pre-LVAD, it was 35% and continued to decrease in patients with moderate-to-severe TR pre-LVAD, regardless of pre-LVAD right ventricular failure or pulmonary hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Uncorrected TR pre-LVAD and post-LVAD is associated with increased early and late mortality. Nevertheless, on average, TR diminishes progressively without intervention after an LVAD implant. Therefore, these data suggest that patient selection for concomitant tricuspid valve surgery should not be based solely on TR grade.
Genetic relationships between early menopause and the behaviour of theca interna during follicular atresia
Authors: Rodgers Raymond J , Laven Joop S E
Published: July 2020

Genetic variants are known to contribute to about 50% of the heritability of the age of menopause and recent studies suggest that genes associated with genome maintenance are involved. The idea that increased rates of follicular atresia could lead to depletion of the primoridial follicle reserve and early menopause has also been canvassed, but there is no direct evidence of this. In studies of the transcriptomics of follicular atresia, it was found that in the theca interna, the largest group of genes are in fact down-regulated and associated with ‘cell cycle and DNA replication’, in contrast with the up-regulation of apoptosis-associated genes which occurs in granulosa cells. Many of the genes down-regulated in the theca interna are the same as or related to the genes in loci associated with early menopause. From these findings, we suggest that early menopause could be due to increased rates of follicular atresia initiated from the theca interna.
The effect of autologous adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy on juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the patella: a case study
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Coco Vito , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: July 2020

A prospective analysis of the effect of autologous adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSCs) therapy in the treatment of a juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the patella. After failed conventional management of JOCD, a 13-year-old patient undergoes intra-articular MSC therapy. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging analyses showed regeneration of cartilage. In this report, the use of AD-MSCs, after unsuccessful conventional JOCD management, resulted in structural, functional and pain improvement. These results highlight the possibility to avoid surgery treatment in JOCD patella treatment.
Onesimus the Letter Carrier and the Initial Reception of Paul’s Letter to Philemon
Authors: Head Peter M
Published: July 2020

After an introduction to the letter to Philemon this article argues that the traditional identification of Onesimus as the letter carrier is far more plausible than any of the recently proposed alternatives (Tychicus, Timothy, an unknown person). It is further argued that the letter addresses the relationships between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus, using language reminiscent of the ‘letter of recommendation’. Since such letters are both habitually ambiguous and require the letter carrier to continue the conversation initiated by the letter, it follows that Onesimus was trusted by Paul to help Philemon receive the letter. It is further argued on both general and Pauline grounds that it is plausible to think that Onesimus would have resolved the ambiguity inherent in the written communication with a verbal request for manumission.
Stripes, Hats, and Fashion
Authors: Ron Zvi
Published: July 2020

This article examines the relationship between fashion and Jewish clothing. Certain clothing elements that are today considered signifiers of Jewish people, even among non-Jews, did not begin as specifically Jewish clothing. They started as the fashion of the general society but were retained by the Jewish community even after the fashions changed in the general world. In this article, we trace the process by which three such elements became associated specifically with Jews and Jewish ritual practice: the striped tallit, Hasidic dress, and black hats. Black hats are the most recent example of this process, and in this case have also developed legal significance in some Orthodox circles. This results in a fashion element being prevented from ever going out of style by virtue of being considered a halachic requirement.