bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task‐switching costs have distinct phase‐locked and nonphase‐locked EEG power effects
Authors: McKewen Montana , Cooper Patrick S. , Wong Aaron S. W. , Michie Patricia T. , Sauseng Paul , Karayanidis Frini
Published: January 2020

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) and total time–frequency power analyses have shown that performance costs during task switching are related to differential preparation to switch tasks (switch cost) and repeat the same task (mixing cost) during both proactive control (cue‐to‐target interval; CTI) and reactive control (post‐target). The time–frequency EEG signal is comprised of both phase‐locked activity (associated with stimulus‐specific processes) and nonphase‐locked activity (represents processes thought to persist over longer timeframes and do not contribute to the average ERP). In the present study, we used a cued task‐switching paradigm to examine whether phase‐locked and nonphase‐locked power are differentially modulated by switch and mixing effects in intervals associated with the need for proactive control (CTI) and reactive control (post‐target interval). Phase‐locked activity was observed in the theta and alpha bands, closely resembled that seen for total power, and was consistent with switch and mixing ERP positivities. Nonphase‐locked analyses showed theta and alpha power effects for both switch and mixing effects early in the CTI and as well as more sustained alpha and beta activity around cue onset, and extending from mid‐CTI into the post‐target interval. Nonphase‐locked activity in pretarget alpha and posttarget theta power were both correlated with response time mixing cost. These findings provide novel insight into phase‐locked and nonphase‐locked activity associated with switch and mixing costs that are not evident with ERP or total time–frequency analyses.
Searching for religious discrimination among childcare workers
Authors: Dasgupta Utteeyo , Mani Subha , Singh Prakarsh
Published: January 2020

We implement a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment among childcare workers in Chandigarh, India, to evaluate discriminatory attitudes of the Hindu workers toward Muslim children. We use a third‐party allocation game that controls for selfish payoff‐maximizing preferences across the treatments and focus exclusively on distributional attitudes. Our results indicate that the workers in our sample are primarily motivated by welfare‐based criteria in making their allocation decisions and do not practice discrimination based on religious identities.
Home care development in Korea and Germany: The interplay of long‐term care and professionalization policies
Authors: Theobald Hildegard , Chon Yongho
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of long‐term care and professionalization policies on the development of home care infrastructure and the care workforce in reference to long‐term care insurance systems adopted in Germany and Korea. A comparative analysis of the effects of the two policy systems allowed us to examine distinct forms of marketized home care service expansion. In both countries, the opening‐up of care markets has brought about a significant expansion of home care services through the active participation of mainly for‐profit providers. However, a trade‐off between the rate of expansion, the quality of care services, and the stability of care infrastructure has emerged. The market‐based expansion of home care services has resulted in difficult employment and working conditions for care workers in both countries. The country‐specific organization of home care and related professionalization approaches has led to the development of a well‐trained care workforce with less precarious conditions in Germany but not in Korea. Despite this difference, less well‐trained care workers experience precarious employment in both countries.
Barriers to kidney transplant evaluation in HIV‐positive patients with advanced kidney disease: A single‐center study
Authors: Boyle Suzanne M. , Fehr Kallie , Deering Catylin , Raza Abbas , Harhay Meera N. , Malat Gregory , Ranganna Karthik , Lee Dong Heun
Published: January 2020

Background

HIV‐positive kidney transplant (KT) recipients have similar outcomes to HIV‐negative recipients. However, HIV‐positive patients with advanced kidney disease might face additional barriers to initiating the KT evaluation process. We sought to characterize comorbidities, viral control and management, viral resistance, and KT evaluation appointment rates in a cohort of KT evaluation‐eligible HIV‐positive patients.

Methods

We included patients seen between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2015, at a primary care HIV clinic who met KT evaluation eligibility by an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤20 mL/min/1.73 meters2 or dialysis dependence. The primary outcome was a documented appointment for KT evaluation.

Results

Of 3735 patients evaluated at the HIV primary clinic during the study period, 42 (1.6%) were KT evaluation‐eligible patients. The median age was 47 years, 77% were male, and 95%, black. Median CD4 count was 328 cells/mm3 (IQR 175‐461). Among the 63% percent with antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription, 40% had viral loads >200 copies. Among patients with HIV resistance profiles (50%, n = 21), 52% had resistance to at least one class of ART. A majority (60%, n = 25) were scheduled for KT evaluation appointment, but of those, only 8% (n = 2) had evidence of appointments before dialysis dependence. Those without appointments had more schizophrenia (29% vs 4%, P = .02), resistance (78% vs 33%, P = .04), ART prescription (76% vs 48%, P = .04), and more kidney disease of unknown etiology (53% vs 8%, P = .02).

Conclusion

Kidney transplant evaluation‐eligible HIV‐positive patients had a high rate of evaluation appointments, but a low rate of preemptive evaluation appointments. Schizophrenia and viral resistance disproportionally affected patients without evaluation appointments. These data precede the recommendation for universal ART for all HIV+ patients, regardless of CD4 count and viral load, and must be interpreted in the context of this limitation.
A novel approach to estimating the competitive ability of Cirsium arvense in cereals using unmanned aerial vehicle imagery
Authors: Rasmussen J , Nielsen J
Published: January 2020

Eight experiments were carried out in Denmark to determine the yield loss of spring barley due to Cirsium arvense in farmers' fields and to suggest and evaluate a novel approach for quantifying C. arvense infestation in large plots. Literature about the competitive ability of C. arvense is old, scattered and inconclusive, and existing models for estimating crop yield loss are based on data from North America. This study showed that C. arvense coverage could be quantified from unmanned aerial vehicle imagery using a manual image analysis procedure. This gave similar results as scoring the coverage. Yield loss of spring barley due to C. arvense infestation assessed at harvest was given by Y = 100·(1−exp(−0.00170·X)) where Y is the percentage of crop yield loss and X is the percentage of C. arvense coverage. The yield loss was much lower than estimates from models that have been developed in North America. It is speculated that the main reason for this is the later emergence of C. arvense than the crop due to lower soil temperatures in spring. Grain moisture increased linearly with C. arvense coverage: M = 0.0310·X where M is the proportional (%) increase in grain moisture and X is the proportion (%) of C. arvense coverage. Automated image analysis procedures are needed to estimate C. arvense coverage on field scales, and further experiments are needed to reveal whether the low competitive ability of C. arvense found in this study is representative for Northern Europe.
Effects of Riser Diameter on Solids Holdup and Particle Velocity Profiles in Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser Systems
Authors: Breault Ronald W. , Rowan Steven L. , Weber Justin M. , Yang Jingsi
Published: January 2020

Tests were performed in a 0.1-m diameter small circulating fluidized bed (SCFB) and 0.3 m diameter cold flow circulating fluidized bed (CFCFB) riser systems located at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to study the effects of riser diameter on the riser hydrodynamics. These tests were performed at solids circulation rates of Gs = 20 and 75 kg/m2 s and superficial gas velocities of Ug = 5.8 and 6.5 m/s using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pellets with a density of 0.863 g/cm3, particle size range of 600–1400 µm (with a Sauter mean diameter of 871 µm, placing them in the Geldart B classification). Comparisons of riser axial pressure and solids fraction profiles, radial particle velocity profiles, and radial profiles of higher statistical moments and select chaos analysis parameters were considered. The results showed that for a given Ug and Gs, the smaller diameter riser exhibited characteristics associated with more dilute solids flow than that observed in the larger diameter riser. Additionally, the larger diameter riser exhibited a downward flow of solids near the wall under all test conditions, whereas the smaller diameter riser data exhibited little or no indications of solids downflow near the wall. These findings suggest that, from an industrial standpoint, a direct scaleup of small-scale tests cannot readily be accomplished as the solids holdup and the solids velocity profiles in small units (those normally tested in the laboratory) are not similar to those of large units and the performance of large units can therefore not be predicted from small-scale tests.
Distributed Temperature Control in Laser-Based Manufacturing
Authors: Zheng Chengjian , Wen John T. , Diagne Mamadou
Published: January 2020

Temperature control is essential for regulating material properties in laser-based manufacturing. Motion and power of the scanning laser affect local temperature evolution, which in turn determines the a posteriori microstructure. This paper addresses the problem of adjusting the laser speed and power to achieve the desired values of key process parameters: cooling rate and melt pool size. The dynamics of a scanning laser system is modeled by a one-dimensional (1D) heat conduction equation, with laser power as the heat input and heat dissipation to the ambient. Since the model is 1D, length and size are essentially the same. We pose the problem as a regulation problem in the (moving) laser frame. The first step is to obtain the steady-state temperature distribution and the corresponding input based on the desired cooling rate and melt pool size. The controller adjusts the input around the steady-state feedforward based on the deviation of the measured temperature field from the steady-state distribution. We show that with suitably defined outputs, the system is strictly passive from the laser motion and power. To avoid over-reliance on the model, the steady-state laser speed and power are adaptively updated, resulting in an integral-like update law for the feedforward. Moreover, the heat transfer coefficient to the ambient may be uncertain, and can also be adaptively updated. The final form of the control law combines passive error temperature field feedback with adaptive feedforward and parameter estimation. The closed-loop asymptotical stability is shown using the Lyapunov arguments, and the controller performance is demonstrated in a simulation.
A Phenomenological Model of Resistance Spot Welding on Liquid Metal Embrittlement Severity Using Dynamic Resistance Measurement
Authors: Bag S. , DiGiovanni C. , Han X. , Zhou N. Y.
Published: January 2020

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is one of the severe problems of Zn-coated steel in resistance spot welding (RSW). Hence, proper welding schedules for Zn-coated steel are of practical interest. RSW involves a complex interaction between electrical, thermal, and mechanical phenomena. Identification and integration of all these governing physics are almost impossible by performing simple experiments. Hence, phenomenological modeling of RSW has gained a significant attention in the recent past. The complexity of the physical process introduced by the dynamic nature of contact resistance brings challenges for the model. A simplified but effective modeling approach of RSW is proposed where attention is focused on the evaluation of the thermal field using the finite element (FE) method. The interaction of the mechanical and electrical field is performed by the dynamic variation of the contact area, stress concentration, and non-uniform current density distribution in a semi-analytical model. These internal variables of the model are incorporated through the scaling of the governing parameters by the dependence of the transient and converged temperature field within a time step. The transient-dynamic contact resistance is detached from the measurement of total resistance and mapped adaptively by the implicit scheme within a time step of the numerical model. The transient development of the nugget is investigated for dual-phase steel (DP980) with an interrupted test of the dynamic resistance curve. The FE model is validated with experimentally measured results at different process conditions. The characterization of the thermal history from the model relatively identifies the LME phenomena and suggests corresponding modification of the welding schedule.
Activation of Heme Oxygenase Expression by Cobalt Protoporphyrin Treatment Prevents Pneumonic Plague Caused by Inhalation of
Yersinia pestis
Authors: Willix Joshua L. , Stockton Jacob L. , Olson Rachel M. , Anderson Paul E. , Anderson Deborah M.
Published: January 2020

Pneumonic plague, caused by the Gram-negative bacteria
Yersinia pestis
, is an invasive, rapidly progressing disease with poor survival rates. Following inhalation of
Y. pestis
, bacterial invasion of the lungs and a tissue-damaging inflammatory response allows vascular spread of the infection. Consequently, primary pneumonic plague is a multiorgan disease involving sepsis and necrosis of immune tissues and the liver, as well as bronchopneumonia and rampant bacterial growth.
A Pilot Study of Chicago Waterways as Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(MDR-Ent) in a High-Risk Region for Community-Acquired MDR-Ent Infection in Children
Authors: Logan Latania K. , Zhang Liqing , Green Stefan J. , Dorevitch Samuel , Arango-Argoty Gustavo A. , Reme Kendrick , Garner Emily , Aldstadt Jared , Johnson-Walker Yvette J. , Hayden Mary K. , Weinstein Robert A. , Pruden Amy
Published: January 2020

Community-acquired multidrug resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(MDR-Ent) infections continue to increase in the United States. In prior studies, we identified neighboring regions in Chicago, Illinois, where children have 5 to 6 times greater odds of MDR-Ent infections. To prevent community spread of MDR-Ent, we need to identify the MDR-Ent reservoirs. A pilot study of 4 Chicago waterways for MDR-Ent and associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was conducted. Three waterways (A1 to A3) are labeled safe for “incidental contact recreation” (e.
The ZKIR Assay, a Real-Time PCR Method for the Detection of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and Closely Related Species in Environmental Samples
Authors: Barbier Elodie , Rodrigues Carla , Depret Geraldine , Passet Virginie , Gal Laurent , Piveteau Pascal , Brisse Sylvain
Published: January 2020

The
Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex Kp includes human and animal pathogens, some of which are emerging as hypervirulent and/or antibiotic-resistant strains. These pathogens are diverse and classified into seven phylogroups, which may differ in their reservoirs and epidemiology. Proper management of this public health hazard requires a better understanding of Kp ecology and routes of transmission to humans. So far, detection of these microorganisms in complex matrices such as food or the environment has been difficult due to a lack of accurate and sensitive methods. Here, we describe a novel method based on real-time PCR which enables detection of all Kp phylogroups with high sensitivity and specificity. We used this method to detect Kp isolates from environmental samples, and we show based on genomic sequencing that they differ in antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene content from human clinical Kp isolates. The ZKIR PCR assay will enable rapid screening of multiple samples for Kp presence and will thereby facilitate tracking the dispersal patterns of these pathogenic strains across environmental, food, animal and human sources.
Complete Genome Sequence of Myophage Ec_Makalu_002, Which Infects Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Dhungana Gunaraj , Malla Rajani , Rajaure Manoj , Adhya Sankar
Published: January 2020

We isolated phage Ec_Makalu_002, which infects uropathogenic strains of
Escherichia coli
. Here, we report its complete genome sequence, annotated features, and relatedness to other phages.
Grief-induced reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)
Authors: Rao Pooja , McCullough Michael Francis , Stevens Jessica , Edwardson Matthew A
Published: January 2020

Stress is under-recognised as a potential causative factor for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Here we present a case of RCVS occurring during a time of extreme emotional duress. A 46-year-old female patient with medical history of bipolar disorder developed a severe headache during her father’s funeral. The following day she was discovered to have bilateral hemiparesis, aphasia, encephalopathy and was brought emergently to the hospital. Neuroimaging revealed a 33 mL left fronto-parietal haematoma with subarachnoid blood near the vertex bilaterally. She underwent craniotomy, haematoma evacuation and external ventricular drain placement. The patient received two cerebral angiograms, the first showing multifocal cerebral vasoconstriction and the second showing resolution of these changes. She improved significantly over the course of her 3-week hospitalisation and eventually made a full recovery, including the ability to speak fluently in six languages with no significant deficits other than hypersomnia; she now requires 10 hours of sleep each night as compared with 7 hours prior to her brain injury.
Internal herniation following laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Brinkman David Jan , Van Hilst Jony , Luyer Misha D
Published: January 2020

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) is increasingly performed worldwide as an alternative to the open conventional method, with the aim of advancing recovery. Because of its recent introduction, little is known about late surgical complications from this procedure. Here, we describe a case of a 76-year-old woman who underwent LPD with end-to-side gastrojejunostomy and presented with pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen 6 months thereafter. CT showed signs of an internal herniation. Elective diagnostic laparoscopy demonstrated a hernia of the efferent loop in Petersen’s space. The loop was repositioned and Petersen’s space was closed. The patient was discharged on the same day. Apart from a short readmission for nausea and vomiting, which were managed conservatively, the patient recovered without any further complications. Internal herniation should be considered in patients with abdominal complaints following LPD.
Characterizing the weight-glycemia phenotypes of type 1 diabetes in youth and young adulthood
Authors: Kahkoska Anna R , Nguyen Crystal T , Jiang Xiaotong , Adair Linda A , Agarwal Shivani , Aiello Allison E , Burger Kyle S , Buse John B , Dabelea Dana , Dolan Lawrence M , Imperatore Giuseppina , Lawrence Jean Marie , Marcovina Santica , Pihoker Catherine , Reboussin Beth A , Sauder Katherine A , Kosorok Michael R , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) present with diverse body weight status and degrees of glycemic control, which may warrant different treatment approaches. We sought to identify subgroups sharing phenotypes based on both weight and glycemia and compare characteristics across subgroups.

Research design and methods

Participants with T1D in the SEARCH study cohort (n=1817, 6.0–30.4 years) were seen at a follow-up visit >5 years after diagnosis. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering was used to group participants based on five measures summarizing the joint distribution of body mass index z-score (BMIz) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) which were estimated by reinforcement learning tree predictions from 28 covariates. Interpretation of cluster weight status and glycemic control was based on mean BMIz and HbA1c, respectively.

Results

The sample was 49.5% female and 55.5% non-Hispanic white (NHW); mean±SD age=17.6±4.5 years, T1D duration=7.8±1.9 years, BMIz=0.61±0.94, and HbA1c=76±21 mmol/mol (9.1±1.9)%. Six weight-glycemia clusters were identified, including four normal weight, one overweight, and one subgroup with obesity. No cluster had a mean HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%). Cluster 1 (34.0%) was normal weight with the lowest HbA1c and comprised 85% NHW participants with the highest socioeconomic position, insulin pump use, dietary quality, and physical activity. Subgroups with very poor glycemic control (ie, ≥108 mmol/mol (≥12.0%); cluster 4, 4.4%, and cluster 5, 7.5%) and obesity (cluster 6, 15.4%) had a lower proportion of NHW youth, lower socioeconomic position, and reported decreased pump use and poorer health behaviors (overall p<0.01). The overweight subgroup with very poor glycemic control (cluster 5) showed the highest lipids and blood pressure (p<0.01).

Conclusions

There are distinct subgroups of youth and young adults with T1D that share weight-glycemia phenotypes. Subgroups may benefit from tailored interventions addressing differences in clinical care, health behaviors, and underlying health inequity.
Birth weight, family history of diabetes and diabetes onset in schizophrenia
Authors: Fernandez-Egea Emilio , Walker Ryan , Ziauddeen Hisham , Cardinal Rudolf N , Bullmore Edward T
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The prevalence of diabetes in schizophrenia is twice that in the general population, but there are few reliable predictors of which individuals will develop glucose dysregulation.

Objective

To test if abnormal birth weight (either too low or too high) and parental diabetes, both variables that can be ascertained in the clinic, can predict diabetes onset in patients with schizophrenia.

Research design and methods

Electronic records of a cohort of 190 clozapine-treated patients (37% treated for more than 20 years) and Cox regression survival analysis (with any type of glucose dysregulation as the event) to account for differences in length of treatment before the event and age at clozapine treatment initiation.

Results

Age at clozapine initiation (Exp(B)=1.098; p<0.001), family history of diabetes (Exp(B)=2.299; p=0.049) and birth weight2(Exp(B)=0.999; p=0.013) were significant predictors of glucose dysregulation onset, while gender was not (Exp(B)=0.1.350; p=0.517). Among individuals with 10 years of follow-up, 80% of those with both abnormal birth weight and a family history of diabetes developed diabetes compared with 56% with only abnormal birth weight, 40% with only a family history of diabetes and 20% in those with neither.

Conclusions

Since 48% of cases had at least one risk factor and 6% had both risk factors, there is a substantial proportion of patients for whom preventive strategies could be implemented.
Neurophysiological evaluation of canine congenital hydrocephalus in three dogs
Authors: Gutiérrez Mary , Feijóo Gimena , Delucchi Luis J
Published: January 2020

Congenital hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder frequently observed in dogs. It is characterised by an increase of cerebrospinal fluid volume in the ventricular system that can cause atrophy of brain tissue. It can be provoked by diverse causes, as it can be idiopathic or secondary to nervous system abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and imaging studies, but neurophysiological techniques can provide valuable information. This report describes functional changes in the brain and brainstem evaluated by electroencephalogram and auditory evoked potentials. In the three cases, the authors found alterations in background rhythm, slow waves, epileptiform activity, hypsarrhythmic tracing and positive sharp waves. These techniques allow detecting alterations in the brain bioelectrical activity that do not trigger clear clinical responses.
AI-based cloud computing application for smart earthmoving operations
Authors: Salem Ashraf , Moselhi Osama
Published: January 2020

This paper introduces a newly developed model for automated monitoring and control of productivity in earthmoving operations. The model makes use of advancements in wireless sensing networks, Internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence. It utilizes data analytics and a dashboard to provide project managers with actionable data on the status of these operations in near-real time. The model consists of two modules; the first is a low-cost open-source remote sensing data acquisition module for collecting data throughout the execution of earthmoving operations. The collected data are sent to a cloud-based MySQL database, in which the second module is designed to (1) measure actual productivity in near-real-time, (2) detecting the location and condition of hauling roads, and (3) monitoring and reporting driving conditions over these roads. Artificial neural network (ANN) is used in cloud computing for analyzing the productivity to determine and prioritize causes behind experienced loss of productivity from that planned. This paper presents cloud computing over a web-based platform (Knowi®). Productivity measurement and analysis outputs are retrieved through any web browser. The work encompassed field and scaled laboratory experiments in the development and validation processes of the developed model. The laboratory experiments 1:24 scaled loader and dumping truck to simulate loading, hauling, and dumping operations. The data collected from the lab experiments and field work was used as input for the developed model. The results obtained highlight the accuracy of the developed model in recognition of the status of the hauling truck, traveled road condition, and in the estimated duration of the simulated earthmoving cycles.
Review—Nanostructured Materials-Based Nanosensors
Authors: Abdel-Karim R. , Reda Y. , Abdel-Fattah A.
Published: January 2020

Nanosensors are sensing devices with at least one of their sensing dimensions being up to100 nm. In the field of nanotechnology, nanosensors are instrumental for (a) detecting physical and chemical changes, (b) monitoring biomolecules and biochemical changes in cells, and (c) measuring toxic and polluting materials presented in the industry and environment. Nanosensors can be classified according to their energy source, structure and applications. The nanostructured materials used in manufacturing of nanosensors are such as: nanoscale wires (capability of high detection sensitivity), carbon nanotubes (very high surface area and high electron conductivity), thin films, metal and metal oxides nanoparticles, polymer and biomaterials. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of all classifications of nanosensors, showing the characteristcs and functioning mechanisms among the various categories.
High-Voltage Metal-Free Disproportionation Flow Batteries Based on 9,10-diphenylanthracene
Authors: Saraidaridis James D. , Suttil James A. , Monroe Charles W.
Published: January 2020

Several metal-free, nonaqueous, disproportionation redox-flow-battery chemistries based on electrochemically active organic molecules are presented. The electrochemistry of 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA), a polycyclic aromatic compound, involves two reversible redox couples separated by more than 3 V, which are associated with electrochemical disproportionation of the neutral molecule. Nonaqueous solvents are investigated with the dual aims of realizing this high voltage in a battery cell and maximizing active-species solubility. Functionalized DPA analogues are synthesized and shown to exhibit electrochemical responses similar to pristine DPA; appending diethyleneglycoxy esters on each phenyl group to form DdPA (9,10-Bis(4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)carbonyl-phenyl)anthracene) improves solubility over DPA by a factor of 20 in acetonitrile and 5 in dimethoxyethane. The 0.21 M maximum concentration of DdPA in dimethoxyethane suggests an energy density of 8 Wh l−1, which begins to approach the energy density of state-of-the-art aqueous RFBs. Charge/discharge of a stagnant one-dimensional cell delivers the highest cell voltages from an organic single-active-species RFB chemistry yet reported. Energy and power efficiencies for DPA in dimethoxyethane and DdPA in acetonitrile are similar to nonaqueous vanadium acetylacetonate in cells of similar construction.
Electrochemical Behavior and Self-Sealing Ability of Zirconium Conversion Coating Applied on Aluminum Alloy 3005 in 0.5 M NaCl Solution
Authors: Šekularac Gavrilo , Milošev Ingrid
Published: January 2020

Zirconium conversion coating (ZrCC) was prepared on aluminum-manganese alloy AA3005 by immersion in 200 ppm of H2ZrF6bath for 10 min at room temperature. Potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra were measured up to 10 and 40 days, respectively, in 0.5 M NaCl solution. Microstructural characterization of samples was carried out using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, focus ion beam microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The coating had a tri-layer structure with a thickness of 200 nm in the proximity of intermetallic particles and 30 nm far from intermetallic particles at the coating matrix. Electrochemical measurements showed that the corrosion resistance of ZrCC on AA3005 was improving during immersion in NaCl solution, i.e., impedance value at low frequency increased with immersion time reaching the average value 8.5 ∙ 106Ω∙cm2at 3 mHz after 10 days immersion. Microstructural and compositional characterization showed that this behavior is related to the change in composition and structure of conversion coating including a transformation of ZrF4/ZrOxFyto ZrO2· 2H2O(s)and formation of Al(OH)3in the top layer of ZrCC, respectively, accompanied by the change in thickness of individual layers within the coating.
SrCo0.8Nb0.1Ta0.1O3−δ Based Cathodes for Electrolyte-Supported Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Comparison with Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ Based Cathodes and Implications
Authors: Sun Shichen , Cheng Zhe
Published: January 2020

Previous studies suggest that Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ
(BSCF) demonstrates high water uptake in humidified air and mixed protonic and electronic conduction as the cathode for intermediate temperature (∼400–600 oC) proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PC-SOFC). However, whether such single phase mixed conducting cathodes would be optimal for the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) over PC-SOFC has not been well studied. In this research, another leading cathode material SrCo0.8Nb0.1Ta0.1O3−δ
(SCNT) is investigated and compared with BSCF as the cathode for BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3 (BZCYYb) electrolyte-supported PC-SOFC cells from 750 to 450 oC. The results show at intermediate temperature, pure SCNT displays negligible water uptake and lower performance than pure BSCF. On the other hand, SCNT-BZCYYb composite cathode perform better than both pure SCNT and pure BSCF, while BSCF-BZCYYb composite performs the worst. These observations suggest that the strong affinity to H2O for the single phase cathode of BSCF at intermediate temperature seems to inhibit oxygen adsorption and limits its performance as the cathode for PC-SOFC despite its mixed protonic and electronic conduction. In comparison, a composite cathode such as SCNT-BZCYYb might be more promising by enabling a better balance between the need for water absorption and proton conduction and the need for efficient oxygen adsorption/exchange.
The Effect of Electrolyte Additives upon Lithium Plating during Low Temperature Charging of Graphite-LiNiCoAlO2 Lithium-Ion Three Electrode Cells
Authors: Jones John-Paul , Smart Marshall C. , Krause Frederick C. , Bugga Ratnakumar V.
Published: January 2020

The effects of lithium-ion electrolyte additives in ester-rich low temperature electrolyte blends, including vinylene carbonate (VC), lithiuma bis(oxalato) borate (LiBOB), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB), propane sultone (PS) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), upon the likelihood of lithium plating are investigated in graphite-LiNiCoAlO2 three-electrode cells. Although metallic lithium is generally absent in lithium-ion cells, certain conditions, particularly charging at low temperature and/or at high rate, can lead to lithium metal plating on the surface rather than intercalating into the carbon anode. Metallic lithium reacts with the electrolyte and forms dendrites upon continuous plating, which can lead to cell shorting and capacity loss. The type of carbon anode, electrolyte, and solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) all influence this behavior. SEI stabilizing additives are generally detrimental to low temperature charging performance, however, 0.1 M LiFSI was found to be advantageous to low temperature charging. When charged at a C/5 rate to 4.10 V, lithium plating was evident at ∼20 °C higher temperature with VC and LiBOB additives compared to the baseline electrolyte without any additives (plating appears at −10 °C rather than −30 °C with the baseline electrolyte). In contrast, the cell containing 0.10 M LiFSI as an additive did not display lithium plating until −40 °C, or 10 °C lower than the baseline cell.
Short-term plasticity in glomerular inhibitory circuits shapes olfactory bulb output
Authors: Zhou Fu-Wen , Shao Zuo-Yi , Shipley Michael T. , Puche Adam C.
Published: January 2020

Short-term plasticity is a fundamental synaptic property thought to underlie memory and neural processing. The glomerular microcircuit comprises complex excitatory and inhibitory interactions and transmits olfactory nerve signals to the excitatory output neurons, mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs). The major glomerular inhibitory interneurons, short axon cells (SACs) and periglomerular cells (PGCs), both provide feedforward and feedback inhibition to M/TCs and have reciprocal inhibitory synapses between each other. Olfactory input is episodically driven by sniffing. We hypothesized that frequency-dependent short-term plasticity within these inhibitory circuits could influence signals sent to higher-order olfactory networks. To assess short-term plasticity in glomerular circuits and MC outputs, we virally delivered channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 promotor (GAD2-cre) or tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-cre) mice and selectively activated one of these two populations while recording from cells of the other population or from MCs. Selective activation of TH-ChR2-expressing SACs inhibited all recorded GAD2-green fluorescent protein(GFP)-expressing presumptive PGC cells, and activation of GAD2-ChR2 cells inhibited TH-GFP-expressing SACs, indicating reciprocal inhibitory connections. SAC synaptic inhibition of GAD2-expressing cells was significantly facilitated at 5–10 Hz activation frequencies. In contrast, GAD2-ChR2 cell inhibition of TH-expressing cells was activation-frequency independent. Both SAC and PGC inhibition of MCs also exhibited short-term plasticity, pronounced in the 5–20 Hz range corresponding to investigative sniffing frequency ranges. In paired SAC and olfactory nerve electrical stimulations, the SAC to MC synapse was able to markedly suppress MC spiking. These data suggest that short-term plasticity across investigative sniffing ranges may differentially regulate intra- and interglomerular inhibitory circuits to dynamically shape glomerular output signals to downstream targets.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Short-term plasticity is a fundamental synaptic property that modulates synaptic strength based on preceding activity of the synapse. In rodent olfaction, sensory input arrives episodically driven by sniffing rates ranging from quiescent respiration (1–2 Hz) through to investigative sniffing (5–10 Hz). Here we show that glomerular inhibitory networks are exquisitely sensitive to input frequencies and exhibit plasticity proportional to investigative sniffing frequencies. This indicates that olfactory glomerular circuits are dynamically modulated by episodic sniffing input.
Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets Diagnostics and Treatment Challenges at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Godfrey Evance K. , Mussa Fatima , Kazahura Parvina , Shoo Aika , Naburi Helga , Manji Karim P.
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Rickets is softening of bones caused by defective mineralization of the cartilage in the epiphyseal growth plate, causing widening of the ends of long bones, growth retardation, and skeletal deformities in children. It can be classified into calciopenic and phosphopenic, each type with various subclasses. Case Presentations. We presented 2 cases, first of a 1 year and 4-month-old male, with a history of recurrent episodes of cough for 8 months and bowing of the legs 6 months prior to admission. Clinical and laboratory investigation was suggestive of vitamin D-dependent rickets, and he started vitamin D treatment with minimal response. The second case is of a 4 years and 7-month-old male who presented with developmental delay, poor weight gain, and recurrent chest infection and worsening of bone pain since 9 months of age. Laboratory investigation was suggestive of phosphopenic rickets, and he was started on treatment at 9 months of age with little improvement and at 4 years, he sustained multiple fractures and succumbed to severe respiratory tract infection and died at 4 years and 7 months of age. Conclusion. Rickets pose a diagnostic and treatment challenge in resource-limited countries, and clinical judgment and early initiation of treatment are important.
Antibacterial Activity Test of Extracts and Fractions of Cassava Leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz) against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes Causing Acne
Authors: Mustarichie Resmi , Sulistyaningsih Sulistiyaningsih , Runadi Dudi
Published: January 2020

This study is aimed at determining antibacterial activity from ethanol extracts and the most active fraction of cassava leaves against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Research carried out by the experimental method involved determination of plants, extraction with maceration method, fractionation with liquid-liquid extraction, antibacterial activity testing of extracts and fractions by agar diffusion method, determination of most active fraction from the extract, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) testing of most active fraction by microdilution method. The results showed that ethanol extracts of cassava leaves had antibacterial activity against both bacteria with the most active fraction indicated by ethyl acetate. MIC values of ethyl acetate fraction against S. epidermidis were in the concentration range of 2.5%–5.0% (w/v) and against P. acnes were in the concentration range of 1.25%–2.5% (w/v). The MBC value of ethyl acetate fraction against S. epidermidis was at a concentration of 5% (w/v), while P. acnes was at a concentration of 2.5% (w/v). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as on Propionibacterium acnes. The fraction with the best activity from the ethanol extract of cassava leaves to the two test bacteria was shown by ethyl acetate fraction. It is suggested that cassava leaves are possible to be developed into standardized antiacne herbal.
Comparisons of Metabolic Load between Adaptive Support Ventilation and Pressure Support Ventilation in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients
Authors: Chen Yen-Huey , Hsiao Hsiu-Feng , Hsu Hui-Wen , Cho Hsiu-Ying , Huang Chung-Chi
Published: January 2020

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic load between adaptive support ventilation (ASV) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) modes in critically ill patients. Methods. Sequential 20 min ventilation by PSV followed by 20 min ASV in critically ill patients was assessed. ASV was set for full support, i.e., with the minute volume control set at the same level as the minute volume observed during PSV. The trial started from PSV 8 cmH2O and continued with high (PSV 12 cmH2O) to low (PSV 0) conditions or low to high conditions, in random order. The oxygen consumption (VO2), production of carbon dioxide (VCO2), and energy expenditure (EE) were measured by indirect calorimetry (IC). Results. Twenty-four patients with critical illness participated in the study. Comparing with the PSV mode, the EE in the ASV mode was lower in the level of PSV 0 cmH2O (1069 ± 73 vs. 1425 ± 76 kcal), PS 8 cmH2O (1116 ± 70 vs. 1284 ± 61 kcal), and PS 12 cmH2O (1017 ± 70 vs. 1169 ± 58 kcal) (p<0.05). The VO2, VCO2, and P0.1 in PSV were significantly higher than those in ASV (p<0.05). Conclusion. In patients with critical illness, the application of ASV set for full support was associated with a lower metabolic load and respiratory drive than in any of the studied PSV conditions.
Serum Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Circulating Biomarkers for Endometriosis
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Huihui , Yuan Ming , Li Dong , Sun Chang , Wang Guoyun
Published: January 2020

Background. A reliable noninvasive biomarker is not yet available for endometriosis diagnosis. Novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis are urgently needed. The molecular constituents of exosomes, especially exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), have considerable potential as novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. This study is aimed at exploring aberrant exosomal miRNA profiles by using miRNA microarray and at providing more accurate molecular biomarkers of endometriosis. Methods. Exosomes were isolated from the serum of patients with endometriosis and negative controls and identified by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot. Exosomal miRNAs were profiled by miRNA microarrays. The expression of selective serum exosomal miRNA was validated by qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established to explore the diagnostic value of selective miRNAs. Finally, GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were used to display possible functions associated with the two miRNAs. Results. A total of 24 miRNAs showed differential levels of enrichment with P<0.05 and log2 fold change>1 by miRNA microarrays. Among the six selective miRNAs (i.e., miR-134-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-320a, miR-494-3p, and miR-939-5p), qRT-PCR analysis revealed that miR-22-3p and miR-320a were significantly upregulated in serum exosomes from patients with endometriosis compared with negative individuals. ROC curve revealed that the serum exosomal miR-22-3p and miR-320a yielded the area under the curve values of 0.855 and 0.827, respectively. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that exosomal miR-22-3p and miR-320a were significantly increased in the sera of patients with endometriosis. The two miRNAs may be useful potential biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis.
Effects of Glucose Fluctuation Targeted Intervention on the Prognosis of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes following the First Episode of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Lou Qingqing , Yuan Xiaodan , Hao Shujie , Miller Joshua D. , Yan Juan , Zuo Panpan , Li Jianing , Yang Lihong , Li Hong
Published: January 2020

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of glucose fluctuation targeted intervention on neurologic function, independent living skills, and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients following the first episode of cerebral infarction (CI). Methods. This was a randomized control trial. Following confirmed cerebral infarction, 75 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized into 2 groups: control group (n=37) with usual care, focused on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) control, targeting A1c<7%, and intervention group (n=38), targeting both A1c<7%and daily glycemic fluctuation (largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE<80 mg/dL)). Results. After 6 months, data from 63 patients were analyzed (30 in the control group, 33 in the intervention group). There was no difference (P>0.05) in the reduction of A1c between the 2 groups, but the reductions of LAGE (P=0.030), 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) (P=0.023), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) (P=0.041), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (P=0.046) were significantly different. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of the intervention group was better than the control group (2.35±0.81 vs. 3.50±2.24, P=0.047). In terms of quality of life, there was no significant between-group difference in total Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) score, but in the intervention group, scores in the strength, hand function, and participation dimensions were higher than those in the control group (P=0.041, P=0.049, and P=0.048, respectively). Conclusion. Glucose fluctuation targeted intervention can improve nerve function for patients with T2DM following the first CI episode. This trial is registered with NCT03932084.
A 7-Year Trend of Malaria at Primary Health Facilities in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Addisu Ayenew , Tegegne Yalewayker , Mihiret Yenesew , Setegn Abebaw , Zeleke Ayalew Jejaw
Published: January 2020

Background. Malaria is a severe parasitic disease that can progress to complications of the nervous system, respiratory distress, renal problems, metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycemia which can result in death in case of delay or absence of appropriate treatment. Even though health service facilities and vector control strategy in the community are implemented as control measures, variations in temperature and rainfall that can affect the life cycle of parasite are among the factors of malaria prevalence over the years. The aim of this trend analysis was to assess the prevalence and the impact of malaria over the seasons and years. Methods. A cross-sectional study using retrospective information was conducted at two health centers Gorgora and Chuahit in Dembia district. The data was collected from lab logbooks routinely diagnosed and registered for seven years. A systematic sampling technique was used by taking patient results from lab logbooks during the first ten days of every month. Data were entered directly into the EpiData Entry software version 3.1 and analysed with the SPSS software version 20. Moreover, a chi-square test with a level of significance set at less than 5% was used. Results. From a total of 11,879 clients that participated, 56.6% were males. The overall malaria prevalence in the last seven years was 21.8%, and the dominant parasite was P. falciparum which accounted for 15.6% of the participants which was threefold higher than P. vivax in the seven-year trend. Moreover, at Gorgora health center, the prevalence which was 15% at the beginning of the study (2012) rose to 33.9% and 30.5% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In the analysis of the seven years, October and September in which the prevalence of malaria was 32.6% and 27.2%, respectively, constituted the peak months. High malaria prevalence was observed in autumn (September to November) season, and the least was observed in spring (March to May) with the prevalence of (17.8%) (p≤0.001). Malaria attack showed significant variability among different age groups, and the age group 15-29 and males were the most affected (p≤0.001). Conclusion. In this study, malaria transmission remained high, which affected males more than females. Thus, appropriate season-based bed net use, health education, immediate patient treatment, and stagnant water drainage methods are needed to alleviate the problem.