bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conductive Si-doped α-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films with the bandgaps up to 6.22 eV
Authors: Dang Giang T. , Tagashira Yuki , Yasuoka Tatsuya , Liu Li , Kawaharamura Toshiyuki
Published: November 2020

This study systematically investigates the properties of (i) conductive Si-doped α-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films grown via a third generation mist chemical vapor deposition system and (ii) Schottky diodes (SDs) and metal semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFETs) fabricated on them. The use of chloro(3-cyanopropyl)dimethylsilane as the Si dopant resulted in conductive thin films in a wide range of Al contents x from 0 to 0.3. The resistivity fluctuated in the range from 0.14 Ω cm to 0.35 Ω cm at x ≤ 0.05 and abruptly increased as x exceeded 0.05. Nevertheless, a resistivity of 1.2 kΩ cm was measurable in an (Al0.3Ga0.7)2O3 film, whose bandgap of 6.22 eV was comparable to that of AlN. All the silver oxide SDs fabricated on these films functioned properly with the rectification ratios up to 105, while the MESFETs showed clear field-effect even in the α-(Al0.3Ga0.7)2O3 film. Interestingly, a linear dependence of barrier heights on ideality factors was obtained in diodes formed between the source and gate electrodes of these transistors despite the differences in the bandgaps. This plot yielded the average or “homogeneous” barrier height of ∼2.0 eV, suggesting that the Fermi level on the AgOy/Si:α-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 interface was pinned at ∼Ec −2.0 eV regardless of the Al content x.
Analysis and Design of Membrane Processes
Authors: Li Mingheng
Published: November 2020

Analysis and Design of Membrane Process: A Systems Approach highlights the fundamentals and emerging technology in the field of industrial reverse osmosis desalination and membrane processes. It provides a unique, systems engineering perspective of membrane operation, focusing on analysis, design, and optimization of membrane processes. An explanation of mathematical and optimization knowledge is introduced and then applied throughout the book.

Key topics include:Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in reverse osmosis (RO) membranesPredictive models for RO module performanceAnalysis and optimization of brackish and seawater RO desalinationEnergy production using pressure retarded osmosis (PRO)Integration of RO and PRO for energy-efficient desalinationDynamic operation of batch RO and batch PRO

This work is essential reading for researchers who are interested in membrane-based processes, and those working within the water industry as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
Quasi-2D Predictive Modeling of an RO Module from Experimental Data
Authors: Li Mingheng
Published: November 2020

A predictive model based on the solution-diffusion theory is proposed for commercial Filmtec 30 SW 2.5′′ spiral wound reverse osmosis modules. The model explicitly accounts for longitudinal pressure drop in the retentate channel and spiral pressure drop in the permeate channel, concentration polarization phenomenon, and effect of temperature on water and salt permeability. Using experimental data from literature, it is shown that the Darcy friction coefficients in the retentate and permeate channels fr∝Rer−0.77,fp∝Rep−0.18, the Sherwood number for mass transfer correlation Sh∝Re0.68Sc0.20, and both the water and salt permeability increase with temperature following approximately Arrhenius-type equations. The mathematical model with parameters derived from the experimental data can reasonably predict water and salt fluxes as well as pressures under various combinations of feed conditions of temperature, flow and pressure (average error ≤ 4%). The dependence of concentration polarization on recovery, temperature and feed rate is analyzed and compared with an empirical formula from Filmtec.
Model-based Optimization of Specific Energy Consumption in Seawater RO
Authors: Li Mingheng
Published: November 2020

This chapter focuses on specific energy consumption (SEC) in seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) water desalination. A set of dimensionless parameters are derived to characterize the SWRO process. On the basis of a few assumptions and simplifications of constant pump efficiency, no pressure drop in the pressure vessel and negligible concentration polarization, the minimization of SEC normalized by feed salinity (or NSEC, a dimensionless quantity) for single and multi-stage ROs with/without energy recovery devices (ERDs) is formulated and solved as a constrained nonlinear optimization problem. It is shown that the NSEC can be reduced by (1) increasing a dimensionless parameter (comprised of the membrane area, hydraulic permeability, feed rate and osmotic pressure), (2) employing staged operation with interstage booster pumps, and (3) using ERDs. Several theorems are presented and proved analytically for NSEC at the thermodynamic limit of SWRO. It is shown that a RO system employing infinite number of stages and ERD and inter-stage booster pumps is essentially equivalent to a fully reversible RO process in terms of NSEC.
Development of Chromenopyrazole-Based Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Singh Sameek , Liddle Ian , Macdonald Christa , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Glass Michelle , Vernall Andrea J.
Published: November 2020

The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is an important therapeutic target for pain and inflammatory disorders. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are conventionally thought to signal exclusively at the plasma membrane; however, recently this has been challenged by the notion of intracellular signalling receptors. Better understanding of GPCR location requires tools that can differentiate cell surface versus subcellular receptors as well as accessing different parts of the body. Herein, we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of polar chromenopyrazole-based CB2R-selective agonists that contain short peptides that could be useful tools for interrogating CB2R.
Pathotype diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mungcola causing wilt on mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Sun Suli , Zhu Lin , Sun Feifei , Duan Canxing , Zhu Zhendong
Published: November 2020

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mungcola (Fom), is an increasingly serious disease of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek) in China. Pathogenic variability has been observed among Fom isolates; however, there are no reports describing Fom races or pathotypes. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of developing a set of pathotype differentials to reveal Fom pathotype diversity by assessing virulence variability of Fom isolates. First, 105 mungbean cultivars were screened against a standard virulent Fom isolate (F08). Eleven of the 105 cultivars were selected as candidate differentials of Fom according to resistance phenotype and genetic background. Second, the resistance of the 11 candidate differential cultivars was tested against 30 Fom isolates from different geographical origins in China. Highly significant differences were observed among isolate × cultivar interaction patterns, indicating that pathotype differentiation exists in Fom isolates. Based on the different reaction patterns combining with genetic background, seven of the 11 cultivars were selected to constitute a set of differential hosts of Fom pathotype, used to distinguish pathotypes of 84 Fom isolates from different geographical regions by evaluating the virulence reaction pattern. The results showed that the 84 Fom isolates were defined as 12 pathotypes. Finally, we tried to confirm whether the 12 Fom pathotypes could be distinguished by a PCR-based diagnostic method based on the two genes (SIX6 and SIX11) reported to be associated with Fom pathogenicity. However, the Fom pathotype could not be distinguished by variation of the PCR products or their resulting sequences of the two genes. This is the first study to develop a set of Fom pathotype differential hosts and identify 12 Fom pathotypes, which provides important information for resistance breeding and disease control.
Flow-induced choking of a compliant Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Box Finn , Peng Gunnar G. , Pihler-Puzović Draga , Juel Anne
Published: November 2020

Significance

Harnessing flow–structure interactions has enabled the development of fluidic analogs of electronic circuit components, e.g., fluidic capacitors that store fluid much like an electrical capacitor stores charge. These soft components function in response to the flow; integrated into microfluidic devices, they remove the need for external actuation, thereby facilitating deployment outside of the laboratory. We describe a fluidic fuse that exploits the flow-induced deformation of a soft elastomer and identify the critical flow rate above which the flow is interrupted. This paves the way for the integration of passive flow limiters into microfluidic devices.
Global analysis of more than 50,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals epistasis between eight viral genes
Authors: Zeng Hong-Li , Dichio Vito , Rodríguez Horta Edwin , Thorell Kaisa , Aurell Erik
Published: November 2020

Significance

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide public health emergency caused by the

β

-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. A very large and continuously increasing number of high-quality whole-genome sequences are available. We have investigated whether these sequences show effects of epistatic contributions to fitness. In a population evolving under a high rate of recombination, such effects of natural selection can be detected by direct coupling analysis, a global model learning technique. The paper opens up the prospect to leverage very large collections of genome sequences to find combinatorial weaknesses of highly recombinant pathogens.
Allosteric modulation of alternatively spliced Ca2+-activated Cl−channels TMEM16A by PI(4,5)P2and CaMKII
Authors: Ko Woori , Jung Seung-Ryoung , Kim Kwon-Woo , Yeon Jun-Hee , Park Cheon-Gyu , Nam Joo Hyun , Hille Bertil , Suh Byung-Chang
Published: November 2020

Significance

Transmembrane 16A (TMEM16A, anoctamin1), a Cl−channel activated by intracellular Ca2+and membrane voltage, displays several distinctive biophysical properties based on differential splicing of alternative exons. Recently, this channel was reported to be regulated by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Here, we report that two splice variants of TMEM16A show different PI(4,5)P2sensitivity and the difference is related with the presence or absence of intracellular ATP. We reveal the mechanisms underlying differential PI(4,5)P2sensitivity of the alternatively spliced TMEM16A channels by identifying potential PI(4,5)P2-binding and phosphorylation sites. Through the simulation of predicted structures, our data demonstrate an allosteric regulation of TMEM16A by membrane PI(4,5)P2and channel phosphorylation.
Genomic islands of differentiation in a rapid avian radiation have been driven by recent selective sweeps
Authors: Hejase Hussein A. , Salman-Minkov Ayelet , Campagna Leonardo , Hubisz Melissa J. , Lovette Irby J. , Gronau Ilan , Siepel Adam
Published: November 2020

Significance

Genome-wide scans can identify differentiated loci between species that may have promoted speciation. So-called “islands of differentiation” have generally been identified and characterized using standard population genetic summary statistics (e.g.,
F

ST

and
d

xy

), which are limited in distinguishing among possible causes of differentiation, such as selection against gene flow and selective sweeps. We introduce a powerful strategy for analyzing such islands, combining new methods for inferring the full ancestral recombination graph and machine learning methods for identifying selective sweeps. We applied our methods to genomic sequences from closely related southern capuchino seedeaters (Neotropical tanagers) and found signatures of recent selective sweeps around pigmentation genes, including many soft sweeps that acted on standing variation.
Delivery of muscle-derived exosomal miRNAs induced by HIIT improves insulin sensitivity through down-regulation of hepatic FoxO1 in mice
Authors: Castaño Carlos , Mirasierra Mercedes , Vallejo Mario , Novials Anna , Párrizas Marcelina
Published: November 2020

Significance

The beneficial metabolic effects of exercise are mediated at least in part by the release of soluble factors by the muscles. Exosomes, small vesicles that facilitate the exchange of biological components among cells and tissues, may constitute one of these factors. Here, we show that exercise triggers the release of exosomes by the trained muscle, carrying a specific miRNA signature that induces gene expression changes in the liver, finally contributing to increased insulin sensitivity. Molecular characterization of exercise-induced exosomal miRNAs and their effects may drive the design of novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate insulin resistance and other aging-related ailments in an increasingly older society.
Multifunctional magnetic soft composites: a review
Authors: Wu Shuai , Hu Wenqi , Ze Qiji , Sitti Metin , Zhao Ruike
Published: November 2020

Magnetically responsive soft materials are soft composites where magnetic fillers are embedded into soft polymeric matrices. These active materials have attracted extensive research and industrial interest due to their ability to realize fast and programmable shape changes through remote and untethered control under the application of magnetic fields. They would have many high-impact potential applications in soft robotics/devices, metamaterials, and biomedical devices. With a broad range of functional magnetic fillers, polymeric matrices, and advanced fabrication techniques, the material properties can be programmed for integrated functions, including programmable shape morphing, dynamic shape deformation-based locomotion, object manipulation and assembly, remote heat generation, as well as reconfigurable electronics. In this review, an overview of state-of-the-art developments and future perspectives in the multifunctional magnetically responsive soft materials is presented.
Control of blood pressure in older patients with heart failure and the risk of mortality: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Douros Antonios , Schneider Alice , Ebert Natalie , Huscher Dörte , Kuhlmann Martin K , Martus Peter , Mielke Nina , Van Der Giet Markus , Wenning Volker , Schaeffner Elke
Published: November 2020

Background

treatment goals for blood pressure (BP) lowering in older patients with heart failure (HF) are unclear.

Objective

to assess whether BP control < 140/90 mmHg is associated with a decreased risk of mortality in older HF patients.

Design

population-based prospective cohort study.

Setting/subjects

participants of the Berlin Initiative Study, a prospective cohort of community-dwelling older adults launched in 2009. Clinical information was obtained in face-to-face interviews and linked to administrative healthcare data.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality associated with normalised BP (systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) compared with non-normalised BP (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) in HF patients. The primary analysis considered only baseline BP (‘time-fixed’); an additional analysis updated BP during follow-up (‘time-dependent’).

Results

at baseline, 544 patients were diagnosed with HF and treated with antihypertensive drugs (mean age 82.8 years; 45.4% female). During a median follow-up of 7.5 years and compared with non-normalised BP, normalised BP was associated with similar risks of cardiovascular death (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.84–1.85) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.89–1.51) in the time-fixed analysis but with increased risks of cardiovascular death (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23–2.61) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15–1.90) in the time-dependent analysis.

Conclusions

BP control < 140/90 mmHg was not associated with a decreased risk of mortality in older HF patients. The increased risk in the time-dependent analysis requires further corroboration.
Home climate and habitat drive ecotypic stress response differences in an invasive grass
Authors: Lakoba Vasiliy T , Barney Jacob N
Published: November 2020

Invasive plants and agricultural weeds are a ubiquitous and ever-expanding threat to biosecurity, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Many of these species are known to succeed through rapid adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress regimes, often in highly disturbed systems. Given the current state of evidence for selection of weedy genotypes via primary physiological stresses like drought, flooding, heat, cold and nutrient deficiency, we posit that adaptation to land management regimes which comprise suites of these stresses can also be expected. To establish this link, we tested adaptation to water and nutrient stresses in five non-agricultural and five agricultural populations of the invader Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) sampled across a broad range of climates in the USA. We subjected seedlings from each population to factorial drought and nutrient stresses in a common garden greenhouse experiment. Agricultural and non-agricultural ecotypes did not respond differently to experimentally applied stresses. However, non-agricultural populations from more drought-prone and nutrient-poor locations outperformed their agricultural counterparts in shoot allocation and chlorophyll production, respectively. We also found evidence for root allocation adaptation to hotter climates, in line with other C4 grasses, while greater adaptation to drought treatment was associated with soil organic carbon (SOC)-rich habitats. These findings imply that adaptation to land-use types can interact with other macrohabitat parameters, which will be fluctuating in a changing climate and resource-needy world. We see that invasive plants are poised to take on novel habitats within their introduced ranges, leading to complications in the prevention and management of their spread.
i2d: an R package for simulating data from images and the implications in biomedical research
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Hu Ying , Yan Chunhua , Xu Ke
Published: November 2020

Motivation

High-quality imaging analyses have been proposed to drive innovation in biomedical and biological research. However, the application of images remains underexploited because of the limited capacity of human vision and the challenges in extracting quantitative information from images. Computationally extracting quantitative information from images is critical to overcoming this limitation. Here, we present a novel R package, i2d, to simulate data from an image based on digital convolution.

Results

The R package i2d allows users to transform an image into a simulated dataset that can be used to extract and analyze complex information in biomedical and biological research. The package also includes three novel and efficient methods for graph clustering based on simulated data, which can be used to dissect complex gene networks into sub-clusters that have similar biological functions.

Availability and implementation

The code, the documentation, a tutorial and example data are available on an open source at: github.com/XiaoyuLiang/i2d.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
AVIA 3.0: interactive portal for genomic variant and sample level analysis
Authors: Reardon Hue V , Che Anney , Luke Brian T , Ravichandran Sarangan , Collins Jack R , Mudunuri Uma S
Published: November 2020

The Annotation, Visualization and Impact Analysis (AVIA) is a web application combining multiple features to annotate and visualize genomic variant data. Users can investigate functional significance of their genetic alterations across samples, genes and pathways. Version 3.0 of AVIA offers filtering options through interactive charts and by linking disease relevant data sources. Newly incorporated services include gene, variant and sample level reporting, literature and functional correlations among impacted genes, comparative analysis across samples and against data sources such as TCGA and ClinVar, and cohort building. Sample and data management is now feasible through the application, which allows greater flexibility with sharing, reannotating and organizing data. Most importantly, AVIA’s utility stems from its convenience for allowing users to upload and explore results without any a priori knowledge or the need to install, update and maintain software or databases. Together, these enhancements strengthen AVIA as a comprehensive, user-driven variant analysis portal.

Availabilityand implementation

AVIA is accessible online at https://avia-abcc.ncifcrf.gov.
Predictive value of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for major clinical outcomes in advanced chronic kidney disease: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Kim Yaerim , Lee Soojin , Lee Yeonhee , Kang Min Woo , Park Sehoon , Park Sanghyun , Han Kyungdo , Paek Jin Hyuk , Park Woo Yeong , Jin Kyubok , Han Seugyeup , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: November 2020

Background

Dyslipidemia is an essential parameter in the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to explore whether lipid profiles could predict major outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the National Health Insurance Service database for people who received nationwide health screening in 2009. All subjects exposed to a lipid-lowering agent before screening were excluded. The population was divided into control, early [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2] and advanced (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2) CKD groups. The hazard ratios (HRs) of outcomes were calculated using multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 3 634 873 participants were included in this study, with 404 298 (11.1%) and 66 805 (1.8%) having early and advanced CKD, respectively. For all populations, levels of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) showed a linear association with major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and all-cause mortality, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed a different pattern of association with MACCEs (linear association) from all-cause mortality (U-shaped association). The significance between the levels of LDL-C and outcomes was attenuated in the advanced CKD group. For TG/HDL-C, although the significance was decreased, the linear patterns with both MACCEs and all-cause mortality were maintained in the advanced CKD group.

Conclusions

The pattern and significance of lipid profiles were different according to the grade of kidney function. TG/HDL-C should be additionally considered as a predictive marker for CVD and mortality along with LDL-C in patients with CKD.
Consistent seismic event location and subsurface parameters inversion through slope tomography: a variable-projection approach
Authors: Sambolian S , Operto S , Ribodetti A , Virieux J
Published: November 2020

We revisit the hypocentre–velocity problem, which is of interest in different fields as for example microseismics and seismology. We develop a formulation based on kinematic migration of two picked kinematic attributes in the 2-D case, the traveltime and the slope (horizontal component of the slowness vector), from which we are able to retrieve the location and subsequently the origin time correction and the subsurface parameters mainly velocity. We show how, through a variable projection, the optimization problem boils down to a physically consistent and parsimonious form where the location estimation is projected into the subsurface parameter problem. We present in this study a proof of concept validated by a toy test in two dimensions and a synthetic case study on the Marmousi model. The method presented in this study is extendible to three dimensions by incorporating the crossline slope or the backazimuth as a supplementary attribute.
Lithospheric resistivity structure of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake aftershock zone
Authors: Azeez K K Abdul , Mohan Kapil , Veeraswamy K , Rastogi B K , Gupta Arvind K , Harinarayana T
Published: November 2020

The Bhuj area, in the Kutch region of western India, is a unique intraplate seismic zone in the world where aftershock activity associated with a large magnitude earthquake (7.7 Mw Bhuj earthquake on 26 January 2001) has persisted over a decade and up till today. We studied the lithospheric resistivity structure of the Bhuj earthquake aftershock zone to gain more insight into the structure and processes influencing the generation of intraplate seismicity in broad and, in particular, to detect the deep origin and upward migration channels of fluids linked to the crustal seismicity in the area. A lithospheric resistivity model deduced from 2-D and 3-D inversions of long-period magnetotelluric (MT) data shows low resistive lithospheric mantle, which can be best explained by a combination of a small amount of interconnected melts and aqueous fluid in the upper mantle. The MT model also shows a subvertical modestly conductive channel, spatially coinciding with the Kutch Mainland Fault, which we interpret to transport fluids from the deep lithosphere to shallow crust. We infer that pore pressure buildup aids to achieve the critical stress conditions for rock failure in the weak zones, which are pre-stressed by the compressive stress regime generated by ongoing India–Eurasia collision. The fluidized zone in the upper mantle beneath the area perhaps provides continuous fluid supply, which is required to maintain the critical stress conditions within the seismogenic crust for continued seismicity.
Comprehensive Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Mouthpiece Cigarette Adhesive by Coupling Headspace with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wei Min , Zheng Feng , Song Xuyan , Li Ran , Pan Xi , Guo Guoning , Yu Qiongwei , Feng Yuqi
Published: November 2020

Background

Some volatile compounds in mouthpiece cigarette adhesive emit irritating odors and affect the taste of smoking cigarettes. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the volatile compounds in mouthpiece cigarette adhesive.

Objectives

A rapid and simple analytical method of volatile compounds in mouthpiece cigarette adhesive was established.

Methods

In this study, headspace (HS) injection coupled with GC–MS was utilized for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Initially, the volatile compounds in mouthpiece cigarette adhesives were detected by HS-GC–MS, followed by spectrum library retrieval. The detected compounds with the similarity to a spectrum library of more than 85% were further identified by comparing the retention time and mass spectra of the detected volatile compounds and those of the corresponding standard samples. The quantitative analysis of nine identified volatile compounds was performed.

Results

Eleven volatile compounds in the mouthpiece cigarette adhesive were accurately identified. The quantitative analytical method of nine volatile compounds in mouthpiece cigarette adhesive was validated to have good linearities (R2 > 0.9932) within the range of 20–5000 ng/g. The detection limits of 9 compounds were within the range of 3.1–147.7 ng/g. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were less than 19.8%. The recoveries of these 9 compounds spiked into mouthpiece cigarette adhesive were 68.1–108.3%.

Conclusions

The proposed method is rapid, simple, and accurate for qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile compounds in the mouthpiece cigarette adhesive.

Highlights

The developed analytical method is expected to be used to monitor volatile compounds in various adhesives.
Cephalothin: Review of Characteristics, Properties, and Status of Analytical Methods
Authors: Nascimento Patrícia Aleixa do , Kogawa Ana Carolina , Salgado Hérida Regina Nunes
Published: November 2020

Background

Cephalothin (CET), a first generation cephalosporin, is the most efficient cephalosporin against resistant microorganisms. Many studies found in literature and pharmacopeias propose analytical methods which are most commonly HPLC and microbiological assays.

Objective

This paper shows a brief review of analytical methods to quantify CET with a green analytical chemistry approach.

Method

The research data were collected from the literature and official compendia.

Results

Most of the analytical methods to determine CET were performed by HPLC and agar diffusion in pharmaceuticals, blood, urine, or water. Other analytical methods were found, such as UV-Vis, iodometry, fluorimetry, IR/Raman, electrochemical, and others in less quantity. One important aspect is that these methods use organic and toxic solvents like methanol and acetonitrile and only about 4% of the methods found use water as solvent.

Conclusions

Research about analytical methods for CET focusing on green analytical chemistry is of great importance and could optimize its analysis in pharmaceutical industries and help to guarantee the quality of the product. More than just the development of new techniques, it is possible to enhance the ones that already exist, applying the green analytical chemistry principles. In this way, it will be possible to reduce the environmental impacts caused by other analytical procedures.

Highlights

This work shows a brief review of literature and pharmacopeias of analytical methods to quantify CET. Its quality control can be updated to meet the needs of current analytical chemistry and to fit into sustainable and eco-friendly analysis.
Automated and qualitative structural evaluation of floor plans for remodeling of apartment housing
Authors: Kim Seongah , Ryu Hyeongmin , Kim Jinyoung
Published: November 2020

Many floor plans are proposed during the early stage of an apartment housing remodeling project as it involves a multitude of entities with different stakes. Consequently, the process to converge the opinions per the individual's preference on an agreed remodeling floor plan becomes repetitive and time consuming. For these reasons, structural evaluation of each proposed conceptual plan is often bypassed and postponed until a finalized floor plan is determined. An automated structural evaluation application for architectural floor plans of apartment housing with the load-bearing wall system is developed on this necessity. The application reads the conceptual drawings and returns various supportive information regarding structural performance, almost instantly. The outputs from the application include the amount of removed, remaining, and new bearing walls, 3D views of each wall component overlaid on the floor plans and their dimensions, area moment of inertia (AMOI) of the walls, torsional resistance of the floor plans, and other supportive indices. For easy and intuitive communication with the users, an abstract and simple quantitative value, structural index (SI), is suggested and included as one of the outputs in the application. In order to validate the developed automated application, a case study is conducted with an ongoing remodeling project, and the results, accuracy, and processing time are compared with the conventional hand calculation method. The application is accurate with errors of less than 1.3%, while the processing speed is nearly seven times faster. With the developed application, the designers could evaluate their conceptual drawings in almost real time. In addition, the stakeholders would communicate in a more straightforward language with the outputs of the application, such as the AMOI evaluation and SI results. Consequently, it is anticipated that the decision-making process during the early stage of a remodeling project would be expedited with the help of the developed automated application.
Invasion Biology and Management of Sweetpotato Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in China
Authors: Guo Chen-liang , Zhu Yong-zhe , Zhang You-jun , Keller Michael A , Liu Tong-Xian , Chu Dong
Published: November 2020

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a broadly invasive pest of great economic significance to agricultural and horticultural systems in the world. Bemisia tabaci contains more than 44 cryptic species, among which B. tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) are the most invasive and destructive, and have spread to many countries. Research on B. tabaci cryptic species increased dramatically in China following the introduction of MEAM1 in the middle-late 1990s. Our report discussed significant advances over the past two decades to understand the invasive genetics of B. tabaci in China. We reviewed the main findings including changes in the cryptic species composition and invasion characteristics of B. tabaci, also summarizing the factors that affect the displacement of dominant cryptic species. Finally, the integrated management of B. tabaci in China was discussed. We hope that this review can stimulate interest in and deepen understanding of B. tabaci, which will lay a foundation for further research in this field.
Learning to denoise astronomical images with U-nets
Authors: Vojtekova Antonia , Lieu Maggie , Valtchanov Ivan , Altieri Bruno , Old Lyndsay , Chen Qifeng , Hroch Filip
Published: November 2020

Astronomical images are essential for exploring and understanding the Universe. Optical telescopes capable of deep observations, such as the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), are heavily oversubscribed in the Astronomical Community. Images also often contain additive noise, which makes denoising a mandatory step in post-processing the data before further data analysis. In order to maximize the efficiency and information gain in the post-processing of astronomical imaging, we turn to machine learning. We propose Astro U-net, a convolutional neural network for image denoising and enhancement. For a proof-of-concept, we use HST images from Wide Field Camera 3 instrument UV/visible channel with F555W and F606W filters. Our network is able to produce images with noise characteristics as if they are obtained with twice the exposure time, and with minimum bias or information loss. From these images, we are able to recover $95.9{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of stars with an average flux error of $2.26{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Furthermore, the images have, on average, 1.63 times higher signal-to-noise ratio than the input noisy images, equivalent to the stacking of at least three input images, which means a significant reduction in the telescope time needed for future astronomical imaging campaigns.
The contribution of N-rich stars to the Galactic stellar halo using APOGEE red giants
Authors: Horta Danny , Mackereth J Ted , Schiavon Ricardo P , Hasselquist Sten , Bovy Jo , Allende Prieto Carlos , Beers Timothy C , Cunha Katia , García-Hernández D A , Kisku Shobhit S , Lane Richard R , Majewski Steven R , Mason Andrew C , Nataf David M , Roman-Lopes Alexandre , Schultheis Mathias
Published: November 2020

The contribution of dissolved globular clusters (GCs) to the stellar content of the Galactic halo is a key constraint on models for GC formation and destruction, and the mass assembly history of the Milky Way. Earlier results from APOGEE pointed to a large contribution of destroyed GCs to the stellar content of the inner halo, by as much as 25 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, which is an order of magnitude larger than previous estimates for more distant regions of the halo. We set out to measure the ratio between nitrogen-rich (N-rich) and normal halo field stars, as a function of distance, by performing density modelling of halo field populations in APOGEE DR16. Our results show that at 1.5 kpc from the Galactic Centre, N-rich stars contribute a much higher 16.8$^{+10.0}_{-7.0}\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ fraction to the total stellar halo mass budget than the 2.7$^{+1.0}_{-0.8}\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ ratio contributed at 10 kpc. Under the assumption that N-rich stars are former GC members that now reside in the stellar halo field, and assuming the ratio between first and second population GC stars being 1:2, we estimate a total contribution from disrupted GC stars of the order of 27.5$^{+15.4}_{-11.5}\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at r = 1.5 kpc and 4.2$^{+1.5}_{-1.3}\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at r = 10 kpc. Furthermore, since our methodology requires fitting a density model to the stellar halo, we integrate such density within a spherical shell from 1.5 to 15 kpc in radius, and find a total stellar mass arising from dissolved and/or evaporated GCs of MGC,total = 9.6$^{+4.0}_{-2.6}\, \times$ 107 M⊙.
Feasibility, acceptability and change in health following a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Pedley Rebecca , Dean Linda E , Choy Ernest , Gaffney Karl , Ijaz Tanzeel , Kay Lesley , Lovell Karina , Molloy Christine , Martin Kathryn , Packham Jonathan , Siebert Stefan , Sengupta Raj , Macfarlane Gary J , Hollick Rosemary J
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy (tCBT) intervention for individuals with axial SpA (axSpA), with and without co-morbid FM, and to measure the change in patient-reported health outcomes.

Methods

A convenience sample of individuals recruited from British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registry for AS (BSRBR-AS) sites were offered a course of tCBT (framed as coaching). Patient-reported outcomes were measured at baseline and on course completion. Semi-structured qualitative interviews assessed intervention acceptability. Thematic analysis was informed by the theoretical framework of acceptability.

Results

Forty-two participants attended for initial assessment. Those completing at least one tCBT session (n = 28) were younger, more likely to meet classification criteria for FM (57 vs 29%) and reported higher disease activity. Modest improvements were reported across a range of disease activity and wider health measures, with 62% of patients self-rating their health as improved (median 13 weeks post-intervention). Twenty-six participants were interviewed (including six who discontinued after initial assessment). tCBT was widely acceptable, offering a personalized approach. Despite low or unclear expectations, participants described improved sleep and psychological well-being and gained new skills to support self-management. Reasons for non-uptake of tCBT centred on lack of perceived need and fit with individual value systems. Many felt that tCBT would be most useful closer to diagnosis.

Conclusion

Higher uptake among axSpA patients with co-morbid FM suggests that these individuals have additional needs. The findings are helpful in identifying patients most likely to engage with and benefit from tCBT and to maximize participation.
Rapid Rule-Based Reward Reversal and the Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex
Authors: Rolls Edmund T , Vatansever Deniz , Li Yuzhu , Cheng Wei , Feng Jianfeng
Published: November 2020

Humans and other primates can reverse their choice of stimuli in one trial when the rewards delivered by the stimuli change or reverse. Rapidly changing our behavior when the rewards change is important for many types of behavior, including emotional and social behavior. It is shown in a one-trial rule-based Go-NoGo deterministic visual discrimination reversal task to obtain points, that the human right lateral orbitofrontal cortex and adjoining inferior frontal gyrus is activated on reversal trials, when an expected reward is not obtained, and the non-reward allows the human to switch choices based on a rule. This reward reversal goes beyond model-free reinforcement learning. This functionality of the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex shown here in very rapid, one-trial, rule-based changes in human behavior when a reward is not received is related to the emotional and social changes that follow orbitofrontal cortex damage, and to depression in which this non-reward system is oversensitive and over-connected.
Moving On from the (Unimaginable) Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
Authors: Kennedy Maureen Shawn
Published: November 2020

What can we take away from this year?
Incidence of Hip Fracture is Decreasing
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: November 2020

According to this study:

Hip fracture rates have decreased over the past 40 years among both men and women.

This decrease appears to be attributable to reduced rates of smoking.
Best Alternative Respirators and Face Masks
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: November 2020

According to this study:

For clinicians interacting with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, expired or sterilized used N95 respirators can be used when new N95 respirators aren't available.

Other face masks may provide less effective filtration.
She Had a Door
Authors: McCrory-Churchill Shannon
Published: November 2020

A case for persistence in the face of adversity in medical mission work.
Distal Adding-on Phenomenon in Scoliosis Secondary to Chiari Malformation Type I
Authors: Yin Rui , Qin Xiaodong , Shi Benlong , He Zhong , Qian Bangping , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang
Published: November 2020

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for distal adding-on (AO) phenomenon after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in scoliosis secondary to Chiari malformation type I (CMS) patients with right major thoracic curve.

Summary of Background Data.

Distal AO phenomenon is a common complication observed in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is significantly associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. However, few studies specifically focused on the incidence and risk factors of distal AO in CMS.

Methods.

Seventy-eight CMS adolescents were included with a minimum of 2-year follow-up after PSF. patients with distal AO at the final follow-up were divided into AO group and those without were No-AO group. The coronal and sagittal parameters were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at the last follow-up. Clinical outcome was analyzed using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS).

Results.

Distal AO was observed in 18 of 78 patients (23.1%). Compared with No-AO group, patients with distal AO had significantly lower Risser sign (P = 0.001), more flexibility of lumbar curve (P = 0.021), higher incidence of lowest instrumented vertebra-last substantially touched vertebra (LIV-LSTV) ≤0 (P = 0.001), smaller postoperative Cobb angle of lumbar curve (P < 0.001), and greater correction rate of lumbar curve (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that low Risser sign (Grade 1-2, odds ratio [OR] = 5.7, P = 0.029) and LIV-LSTV ≤0 (OR = 6.4, P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for distal AO. There was no significant difference of CCOS scores between two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion.

The incidence of distal AO was 23.1% in CMS patients after PSF. Patients with low Risser sign and LIV-LSTV ≤0 were high risk factors for distal AO.

Level of Evidence: 3
Rescue Treatment With High-Dose Gaseous Nitric Oxide in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Wiegand Steffen B. , Safaee Fakhr Bijan , Carroll Ryan W. , Zapol Warren M. , Kacmarek Robert M. , Berra Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

Treatment options are limited for patients with respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019. Conventional oxygen therapy and awake proning are options, but the use of high-flow nasal cannula and continuous positive airway pressure are controversial. There is an urgent need for effective rescue therapies. Our aim is to evaluate the role of inhaled nitric oxide 160 ppm as a possible rescue therapy in nonintubated coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Design:

Retrospective evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in respiratory distress receiving nitric oxide gas as rescue therapy.

Setting:

Massachusetts General Hospital, between March 18, 2020, and May 20, 2020, during the local coronavirus disease 2019 surge.

Patients:

Coronavirus disease 2019 patients at high risk for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with worsening symptoms despite use of supplemental oxygen and/or awake proning.

Interventions:

Patients received nitric oxide at concentrations of 160 ppm for 30 minutes twice per day via a face mask until resolution of symptoms, discharge, intubation, or the transition to comfort measures only.

Measurements and Main Results:

Between March 18, 2020, and May 20, 2020, five patients received nitric oxide inhalation as a rescue therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital. All received at least one dosage. The three patients that received multiple treatments (ranging from five to nine) survived and were discharged home. Maximum methemoglobin concentration after 30 minutes of breathing nitric oxide was 2.0% (1.7–2.3%). Nitrogen dioxide was below 2 ppm. No changes in mean arterial pressure or heart rate were observed during or after nitric oxide treatment. Oxygenation and the respiratory rate remained stable during and after nitric oxide treatments. For two patients, inflammatory marker data were available and demonstrate a reduction or a cessation of escalation after nitric oxide treatment.

Conclusions:

Nitric oxide at 160 ppm may be an effective adjuvant rescue therapy for patients with coronavirus disease 2019.
Timing of Tracheostomy for Prolonged Respiratory Wean in Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Takhar Arunjit , Surda Pavol , Ahmad Imran , Amin Nikul , Arora Asit , Camporota Luigi , Denniston Poppy , El-Boghdadly Kariem , Kvassay Miroslav , Macekova Denisa , Munk Michal , Ranford David , Rabcan Jan , Tornari Chysostomos , Wyncoll Duncan , Zaitseva Elena , Hart Nicholas , Tricklebank Stephen
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To propose the optimal timing to consider tracheostomy insertion for weaning of mechanically ventilated patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. We investigated the relationship between duration of mechanical ventilation prior to tracheostomy insertion and in-hospital mortality. In addition, we present a machine learning approach to facilitate decision-making.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Patients:

Consecutive patients admitted with acute respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 requiring mechanical ventilation between March 3, 2020, and May 5, 2020.

Interventions:

Baseline characteristics and temporal trends in markers of disease severity were prospectively recorded. Tracheostomy was performed for anticipated prolonged ventilatory wean when levels of respiratory support were favorable. Decision tree was constructed using C4.5 algorithm, and its classification performance has been evaluated by a leave-one-out cross-validation technique.

Measurements and Main Results:

One-hundred seventy-six patients required mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure, of which 87 patients (49.4%) underwent tracheostomy. We identified that optimal timing for tracheostomy insertion is between day 13 and day 17. Presence of fibrosis on CT scan (odds ratio, 13.26; 95% CI [3.61–48.91]; p ≤ 0.0001) and Pao
2:Fio
2 ratio (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI [0.95–0.99]; p = 0.008) were independently associated with tracheostomy insertion. Cox multiple regression analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio, 6.56; 95% CI [1.04–41.59]; p = 0.046), ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio, 4.62; 95% CI [1.19–17.87]; p = 0.027), positive end-expiratory pressure (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% CI [1.02–1.57]; p = 0.034), Pao
2:Fio
2 ratio (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]; p = 0.003), and C-reactive protein (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI [1–1.01]; p = 0.005) were independent late predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

We propose that the optimal window for consideration of tracheostomy for ventilatory weaning is between day 13 and 17. Late predictors of mortality may serve as adverse factors when considering tracheostomy, and our decision tree provides a degree of decision support for clinicians.