bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to determining piezoelectric properties of nanogenerators based on PVDF nanofibers using iterative finite element simulation for walking energy harvesting
Authors: Kashfi Mohammad , Fakhri Parisa , Amini Babak , Yavari Neda , Rashidi Bahram , Kong Lingxue , Bagherzadeh Roohollah
Published: May 2020

This study presents the experimental characterization and finite element investigation of a piezoelectric nanogenerator based on electrospun poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers walking energy harvesting applications. The piezoelectric response of nanogenerator device was experimentally evaluated under low frequency cyclic impacts using PiezoTester. The impact test was then simulated and the obtained experimental applied force-time curve is implemented into the finite element model as the impactor external force. Based on mentioned procedure, a novel iterative finite element simulation was then introduced to determine the piezoelectric properties of PVDF nanofibers to avoid any redundant experiments. The experimental voltage-time was compared with voltage time obtained from optimized finite element model and a reasonable agreement was achieved between the numerical and experimental curves. Thereinafter, as a case study, a PVDF nanofibers nanogenerator integrated foam (PNIF) was simulated to use as an energy harvester in the shoe insole. The validated finite element model was then constructed to optimize the PNIF elasticity modulus to reach the maximum efficiency of energy harvester during human walking. The results showed that the best efficiency of the energy harvesting is achieved for 211.27 kPa PNIF modulus, which can generate 15.1 V. These results lead to the establishment of engineering design rules in the industrial scale for wearable power harvesting devices in the footwear industry.
Electronic hand hygiene monitoring: accuracy, impact on the Hawthorne effect and efficiency
Authors: Gould Dinah , Lindström Håkan , Purssell Edward , Wigglesworth Neil
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate a type five electronic monitoring system (EMS) for hand hygiene (HH) adherence with respect to accuracy and ability to avoid the Hawthorne effect.

Design:

HH events were observed manually and electronically. The agreement between the two observation methods was evaluated. Continuous electronic measurement was made throughout the study.

Setting:

An acute 31-bed medical ward in a National Health Service trust in London, United Kingdom.

Participants:

Staff working or attached to the ward.

Intervention:

A newly developed type five EMS that can measure disinfectant dispenser usage as well as continuous movements of health workers throughout the ward with arm-length precision and analyse HH adherence was installed at the ward.

Results:

A total of 294 HH events were observed in five sessions by an observer previously unknown to the ward. There was concordance between HH adherence assessed by manual observer and the EMS on 84% (79.1%–89.9%) of the occasions. During the five observation sessions, the observed HH adherence increased from 24% to 76% while the EMS measurements immediately before the arrival of the observer remained constant for all sessions.

Conclusion:

The 84% agreement between the EMS and the manual observation suggest a high level of precision for the evaluated system. The Hawthorne effect (higher rate of HH performance) was clearly seen in the increase by a factor of three in the manually observed adherence from session to session as the health workers became more aware of them being observed. The EMS was able to avoid the Hawthorne effect when the observer was not present.
Absolutist Words From Search Volume Data Predict State-Level Suicide Rates in the United States
Authors: Adam-Troian Jais , Arciszewski Thomas
Published: May 2020

Suicide continues to be a major public health issue, especially in the United States. It is a well-established fact that depression and suicidal ideation are risk factors for suicide. Drawing on recent research that shows that absolutist words (e.g., “completely,” “totally”) constitute linguistic markers of suicidal ideation, we created an online index of absolutist thinking (ATI) using search query data (i.e., Google Trends time series). Mixed-model analyses of age-adjusted suicide rates in the United States from 2004 to 2017 revealed that ATI is linked with suicides, β = 0.22, 95% CI = [0.12, 0.31], p < .001, and predicts suicides within 1 year, β = 0.16, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.28], p = .006, independently of state characteristics and historical trends. It is the first time that a collective measure of absolutist thinking is used to predict real-world suicide outcomes. Therefore, the present study paves the way for novel research avenues in clinical psychological research.
Analyzing correlation of urban functionality and spatial configuration
Authors: Chiu Yin-Hao , Chuang I-Ting , Tsai Chi-Yao
Published: May 2020

As the urban development continues, different parts of a city can grow or decay by varying degrees due to natural deterioration or changes in governmental policies. City is the center for business, culture, and social activities; is the place that reflects geography, commerce, society, and culture context; is a complex whole that is woven by “people,” “activity,” and “space” “People” in the “space” can process “activities,” therefore, activities and space can influence each other. In this research, we aim to obtain insights on urban morphology by analyzing the changes in urban spaces’ “activity” patterns. We aim to explore the relationship between urban spatial configuration and functionality. Space syntax methodology is applied to investigate the urban spatial structure concurrently with the analytic hierarchy process method for evaluating experts’ survey responses to attain urban functionality index. Subsequently, the analytical data are compared and categorized to reveal the city districts’ spatial characteristics and their correlation. This research has proven that the analysis findings are consistent with the actual urban conditions, and thus affirms our analytical framework of having a creditable comprehension of the advantage and disadvantage of urban spatial integrations and its functionality. Therefore, our research methodology can be applied as an efficient preliminary evaluation tool for conceiving the merits of city districts. Based on the findings of our research, authorities will be able to discuss the urban development agendas in greater detail with higher efficiency.
Deficits in coordinated neuronal activity and network topology are striatal hallmarks in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Fernández-García S. , Orlandi J. G. , García-Díaz Barriga G. A. , Rodríguez M. J. , Masana M. , Soriano J. , Alberch J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Network alterations underlying neurodegenerative diseases often precede symptoms and functional deficits. Thus, their early identification is central for improved prognosis. In Huntington’s disease (HD), the cortico-striatal networks, involved in motor function processing, are the most compromised neural substrate. However, whether the network alterations are intrinsic of the striatum or the cortex is not fully understood.

Results

In order to identify early HD neural deficits, we characterized neuronal ensemble calcium activity and network topology of HD striatal and cortical cultures. We used large-scale calcium imaging combined with activity-based network inference analysis. We extracted collective activity events and inferred the topology of the neuronal network in cortical and striatal primary cultures from wild-type and R6/1 mouse model of HD. Striatal, but not cortical, HD networks displayed lower activity and a lessened ability to integrate information. GABAA receptor blockade in healthy and HD striatal cultures generated similar coordinated ensemble activity and network topology, highlighting that the excitatory component of striatal system is spared in HD. Conversely, NMDA receptor activation increased individual neuronal activity while coordinated activity became highly variable and undefined. Interestingly, by boosting NMDA activity, we rectified striatal HD network alterations.

Conclusions

Overall, our integrative approach highlights striatal defective network integration capacity as a major contributor of basal ganglia dysfunction in HD and suggests that increased excitatory drive may serve as a potential intervention. In addition, our work provides a valuable tool to evaluate in vitro network recovery after treatment intervention in basal ganglia disorders.
Risk of late cervical cancer screening in the Paris region according to social deprivation and medical densities in daily visited neighborhoods
Authors: Traoré Médicoulé , Vallée Julie , Chauvin Pierre
Published: May 2020

Background

Social and physical characteristics of the daily visited neighborhoods have gained an extensive interest in analyzing socio-territorial inequalities in health and healthcare. The objective of the present paper is to estimate and discuss the role of individual and contextual factors on participation in preventive health-care activities (smear screening) in the Greater Paris area focusing on the characteristics of daily visited neighborhoods in terms of medical densities and social deprivation.

Methods

The study included 1817 women involved in the SIRS survey carried out in 2010. Participants could report three neighborhoods they regularly visit (residence, work/study, and the next most regularly visited). Two “cumulative exposure scores” have been computed from household income and medical densities (general practitioners and gynecologists) in these neighborhoods. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to measure association between late cervical screening (> 3 years) and characteristics of daily visited neighborhoods (residential, work or study, visit).

Results

One-quarter of the women reported that they had not had a smear test in the previous 3 years. Late smear test was found to be more frequent among younger and older women, among women being single, foreigners and among women having a low-level of education and a limited activity space. After adjustment on individual characteristics, a significant association between the cumulative exposure scores and the risk of a delayed smear test was found: women who were exposed to low social deprivation and to low medical densities in the neighborhoods they daily visit had a significantly higher risk of late cervical cancer screening than their counterparts.

Conclusions

For a better understanding of social and territorial inequalities in healthcare, there is a need for considering multiple daily visited neighborhoods. Cumulative exposure scores may be an innovative approach for analyzing contextual effects of daily visited neighborhoods rather than focusing on the sole residential neighborhood.
Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets as assessed by different methods in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: an analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry
Authors: Rizos Christos V. , Florentin Matilda , Skoumas Ioannis , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Rallidis Loukianos , Kotsis Vasileios , Athyros Vasileios , Skalidis Emmanouil , Kolovou Genovefa , Garoufi Anastasia , Bilianou Eleni , Koutagiar Iosif , Agapakis Dimitrios , Kiouri Estela , Antza Christina , Katsiki Niki , Zacharis Evangelos , Attilakos Achilleas , Sfikas George , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Liberopoulos Evangelos N.
Published: May 2020

Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. FH patients often have increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, which further increase CVD risk. Novel methods for accurately calculating LDL-C have been proposed.

Methods

Patients with FH were recruited by a network of Greek sites participating in the HELLAS-FH registry. LDL-C levels were calculated using the Friedewald (LDL-CF) and the Martin/Hopkins (LDL-CM/H) equations as well as after correcting LDL-CM/Hfor Lp(a) levels [LDL-CLp(a)corM/H]. The objective was to compare LDL-C levels and target achievement as estimated by different methods in FH patients.

Results

This analysis included 1620 patients (1423 adults and 197 children). In adults at diagnosis, LDL-CFand LDL-CM/Hlevels were similar [235 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L) vs 235 ± 69 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L), respectively;P = NS], while LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hlevels were non-significantly lower than LDL-CF[211 ± 61 mg/dL (5.5 ± 1.6 mmol/L);P = 0.432]. In treated adults (n = 966) both LDL-CF[150 ± 71 mg/dL (3.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L)] and LDL-CM/Hlevels [151 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L);P = 0.746] were similar, whereas LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hlevels were significantly lower than LDL-CF[121 ± 62 mg/dL (3.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L);P < 0.001]. Target achievement as per latest guidelines in treated patients using the LDL-CM/H(2.5%) and especially LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hmethods (10.7%) were significantly different than LDL-CF(2.9%;P < 0.001).

In children, all 3 formulas resulted in similar LDL-C levels, both at diagnosis and in treated patients. However, target achievement by LDL-CFwas lower compared with LDL-CM/Hand LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hmethods (22.1 vs 24.8 vs 33.3%;P < 0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusion

LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hresults in significantly lower values and higher target achievement rate in both treated adults and children. If validated in clinical trials, LDL-CLp(a)corM/Hmay become the method of choice to more accurately estimate ‘true’ LDL-C levels in FH patients.
Increased dose primary thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a single centre cohort study
Authors: Maraveyas Anthony , Haque Farzana , Muazzam Iqtedar Ahmed , Ilyas Waqas , Bozas George
Published: May 2020

Background

Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (aPDAC) patients have a lifetime all type thromboembolic event (ATTE) rate of 25–35%. Efficacy and safety of increased dose primary thromboprophylaxis (IDPTP) with low molecular heparin (LMWH) given for 3 months has been shown in two prospective randomized trials.

Objectives

To report on efficacy -reduction of all type thromboembolic events (ATTE)-, safety -incidence of Major Bleeding (MB)- and compliance in a single-centre cohort of aPDAC patients receiving first line chemotherapy and LMWH-IDPTP.

Methods

From May 2009 to October 2016, 82 patients received IDPTP –LMWH with dalteparin. Schedule: 55 kg and below: 7500 IU, between 55 and 80 kg: 10,000 IU, above 80 kg: 12,500 IU. MB is reported using the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) criteria. ATTE was defined as any arterial or venous event, incidental or clinically symptomatic, including visceral VTE.

Results

Mean and median time on dalteparin was 10.2 (95%CI 8.1, 12.4) and 8.0 (95%CI 6.2, 9.7) months respectively. ATTE was observed in 7 (8.5%) of patients, with a median time on IDPTP of 6.2 months (95% CI 10.0, 13.2). MB was seen in 10 (12.2%) patients with a median time on IDPTP of 4.5 months (95% CI 1.6, 7.4). Six major bleeds (60%) were the direct or indirect result of aPDAC. Eighty-one patients had died at the time of data collection with a median overall survival time of 8.7 months (95%CI 6.4, 11.0). Thromboembolism and bleeding were late events. No impact of thromboembolism or bleeding on overall survival was observed.

Conclusions

IDPTP-dalteparin was associated with lower ATTE occurrence rates than expected and comparable major bleeding rates. ATTE and MB were late events, the majority of MB was from direct or indirect result of locally progressing aPDAC. Since these conditions can frequently arise in aPDAC, IDPTP should be regularly reviewed beyond 3 months.
Comorbidity of disruptive behavior disorders and intermittent explosive disorder
Authors: Radwan Karam , Coccaro Emil F.
Published: May 2020

Background

Aggressive behavior in children and adolescents may be accounted for by several disruptive behavioral disorders (DBD) including attention-deficit/hyperactive (ADHD), conduct (CD), and oppositional defiant (ODD), disorders and intermittent explosive disorder (IED). The comorbidity among the DBDs is well known, but not its comorbidity with IED.

Method

We reanalyzed data from the National Comorbidity Studies (adolescents and adults), and from a large clinical research adult sample, to estimate the comorbidity of IED with each of the DBDs and to explore correlates of these comorbidities.

Results

The rate of current comorbidity between IED and the DBDs ranged from 10 to 19%, in adolescents (5–14% in adults) with odds ratios of about five. The onset of ADHD typically appeared before onset of IED while onset ODD and CD more typically appeared before that of IED in adolescents and about equally before or after IED in adults but IED persisted outside the duration window in many (ADHD) or most (ODD, CD) cases. Measures of impulsive aggression severity were highest in those with IED+DBD but relatively low in those with DBD alone while measures of DBD severity were highest in those with DBD alone and in those with IED+DBD.

Conclusion

Despite the comorbidity of IED with the DBDs, IED can be separated from the DBDs over time and in terms of severity measures of IED and of DBD. Overall, impulsive aggression varies with IED while DBD behaviors vary with DBD. Based on this, clinicians should consider IED in their differential in the workup of impulsively aggressive children and adolescents.
Foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in regional and rural NSW, Australia
Authors: West Matthew , Sadler Sean , Hawke Fiona , Munteanu Shannon E. , Chuter Vivienne
Published: May 2020

Background

Foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians' has not been established. Additionally, studies have shown that there is a lack of engagement of this population with general preventive foot care services. The aim of this study was to establish foot health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending two recently developed, culturally safe podiatry services in rural and regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Secondarily the relationship between self‐perceived foot health and some medical and demographic characteristics was investigated.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study included participants attending the culturally safe foot health care services managed by the University of Newcastle on the Central Coast or in Wellington, both located in NSW, Australia. At the consultation, participants completed the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) with the assistance of an Aboriginal health care worker, underwent basic vascular and neurological screening, and podiatric treatment.

Results

A total of 111 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (48 from the Central Coast, and 63 from Wellington) were included. FHSQ scores for pain (75.7 ± 26.8), function (80.2 ± 25.2), footwear (53.9 ± 33.4), and general foot health (62.0 ± 30.9) were generally good, but below the optimal score of 100. The presence of diabetes (n = 39 of 111 participants or 35.1%) was associated with lower levels of self‐perceived foot function (r = − 0.20, n = 107, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

We found that community‐based foot health care services that are culturally safe are utilised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples not currently at high risk of foot complications. This supports the use of culturally safe foot care services to improve engagement with preventative foot care. Future research should continue to be driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and investigate ways to implement additional screening measures and undertake prospective evaluation of the impact of such services on health related outcomes in these communities.
Functional production of human antibody by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Huynh Hung Hiep , Morita Naoki , Sakamoto Toshihiro , Katayama Takuya , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru , Chiba Yasunori , Shinkura Reiko , Maruyama Jun-ichi
Published: May 2020

Background

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as biopharmaceuticals take a pivotal role in the current therapeutic applications. Generally mammalian cell lines, such as those derived from Chinese hamster ovaries (CHO), are used to produce the recombinant antibody. However, there are still concerns about the high cost and the risk of pathogenic contamination when using mammalian cells.Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus recognized as a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) organism, has an ability to secrete a large amount of proteins into the culture supernatant, and thus the fungus has been used as one of the cost-effective microbial hosts for heterologous protein production. Pursuing this strategy the human anti-TNFα antibody adalimumab, one of the world’s best-selling antibodies for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, was chosen to produce the full length of mAbs byA. oryzae. Generally,N-glycosylation of the antibody affects immune effector functions such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via binding to the Fc receptor (FcγR) on immune cells. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to first delete theAooch1gene encoding a key enzyme for the hyper-mannosylation process in fungi to investigate the binding ability of antibody with FcγRIIIa.

Results

Adalimumab was expressed inA. oryzaeby the fusion protein system with α-amylase AmyB. The full-length adalimumab consisting of two heavy and two light chains was successfully produced in the culture supernatants. Among the producing strains, the highest amount of antibody was obtained from the ten-protease deletion strain (39.7 mg/L). Two-step purifications by Protein A and size-exclusion chromatography were applied to obtain the high purity sample for further analysis. The antigen-binding and TNFα neutralizing activities of the adalimumab produced byA. oryzaewere comparable with those of a commercial product Humira®. No apparent binding with the FcγRIIIa was detected with the recombinant adalimumab even by altering theN-glycan structure using theAooch1deletion strain, which suggests only a little additional activity of immune effector functions.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated an alternative low-cost platform for human antibody production by usingA. oryzae, possibly offering a reasonable expenditure for patient’s welfare.
The impact of summer programming on the obesogenic behaviors of children: behavioral outcomes from a quasi-experimental pilot trial
Authors: Dugger R. , Brazendale K. , Hunt E. T. , Moore J. B. , Turner-McGrievy G. , Vogler K. , Beets M. W. , Armstrong B. , Weaver R. G.
Published: May 2020

Background

Children from low-income families experience accelerated BMI gain and learning loss during summer. Healthy Summer Learners (HSL) addresses accelerated BMI gain and academic learning loss during summer by providing academic- and health-focused programming. This manuscript reports the effects of HSL on underlying obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, diet) that lead to accelerated summer BMI gain, a necessary first step to informing a future randomized controlled trial of HSL.

Methods

In the summer of 2018 and 2019 using a quasi-experimental study design, 180 children (90 per summer, 7.9 years [SD = 1.0], 94% non-Hispanic Black, 40% male) at two schools (i.e., one per summer) who were struggling academically (25–75% on a standardized reading test) were provided a free, school-based 6-week health- and academic-focused summer program (i.e., HSL, n = 60), a 4- to 6-week academic-focused summer program (i.e., 21st Century Summer Learning program (21C), n = 60), or no summer program (n = 60). Children wore the Fitbit Charge 2™ over a 10-week period during the summers (June–Aug) of 2018–2019. Differences within (within child days attend vs. not attend) and between (differences between groups attend vs. not attend) were evaluated using mixed effects linear regression.

Results

Regression estimates indicated that, on days attending, HSL children experienced a greater reduction in sedentary minutes (− 58.6 [95% CI = − 92.7, − 24.4]) and a greater increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (36.2 [95% CI = 25.1, 47.3]) and steps (2799.2 [95% CI = 2114.2, 3484.2]) compared to 21C children. However, both HSL and 21C children were more active (i.e., greater MVPA, total steps) and less sedentary (i.e., less sedentary minutes and total screen time) and displayed better sleeping patterns (i.e., earlier and less variability in sleep onset and offset) on days they attended than children in the control.

Conclusions

HSL produced greater changes in physical activity than 21C. However, attendance at either HSL or 21C leads to more healthy obesogenic behaviors. Based on the behavioral data in this pilot study, a larger trial may be warranted. These results must be considered along with the pending primary outcomes (i.e., academics and BMI z-score) of the HSL pilot to determine if a full-scale trial is warranted.

Trial registration

NIH-NCT03321071. Registered 25 October 2017
Unifying Developmental Programs for Embryonic and Post-Embryonic Neurogenesis in the Zebrafish Retina
Authors: Xu Baijie , Tang Xia , Jin Mengmeng , Zhang Hui , Du Lei , Yu Shuguang , He Jie
Published: May 2020

The zebrafish retina grows for a lifetime. Whether embryonic and post-embryonic retinogenesis conform to the same developmental program is an outstanding question that remains under debate. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of ∼20,000 cells of the developing zebrafish retina at four different stages, we identified seven distinct developmental states. Each state explicitly expresses a gene set. Disruption of individual state-specific marker genes results in various defects ranging from small eyes to the loss of distinct retinal cell types. Using a similar approach, we further characterized the developmental states of post-embryonic retinal stem cells (RSCs) and their progeny in the ciliary marginal zone. Expression pattern analysis of state-specific marker genes showed that the developmental states of post-embryonic RSCs largely recapitulated those of their embryonic counterparts, except for some differences in rod photoreceptor genesis. Thus, our findings reveal the unifying developmental program used by the embryonic and post-embryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish.
Msx1 deficiency interacts with hypoxia and induces a morphogenetic regulation during lip development
Authors: Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Ludwig Kerstin U. , Knapp Michael , Kist Ralf , Lisgo Steven , Ohshima Hayato , Mangold Elisabeth , Peters Heiko
Published: May 2020

Nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and palate are common birth defects resulting from gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. MSX1 mutations have been linked to orofacial clefting and we show here that Msx1 deficiency causes a growth defect of the medial nasal process (Mnp) in mouse embryos. While this defect alone does not disrupt lip formation, Msx1-deficient embryos develop a cleft lip when the mother is transiently exposed to reduced oxygen levels or to Phenytoin, a drug known to cause embryonic hypoxia. In the absence of interacting environmental factors, the Mnp growth defect caused by Msx1-deficiency is modified by a Pax9-dependent “morphogenetic regulation”, which modulates Mnp shape, rescues lip formation and involves a localised abrogation of Bmp4-mediated repression of Pax9. Analyses of GWAS data revealed a genome-wide significant association of a Gene Ontology morphogenesis term (including assigned roles of MSX1, MSX2, PAX9, BMP4, GREM1) specifically for nonsyndromic cleft lip with cleft palate. Our data indicate that MSX1 mutations may increase the risk for cleft lip formation by interacting with an impaired morphogenetic regulation that adjusts Mnp shape, or through interactions that inhibit Mnp growth.
Proposal and Verification of a Novel Superhydrophobic-Conductive Anti-Corrosion Polyaniline-Silica Coating
Authors: Xu Haidong , Fan Suohong , Lu Yong , Feng Huixia , Qiu Jianhui
Published: May 2020

There has been a growing interest in stainless steel (SS) corrosion due to massive economic losses. Current efforts are mainly devoted to forming Cr2O3 film or organic coatings on SS surfaces. However, the relevant chromate is a carcinogen and the traditional organic coatings are inefficient for electrochemical corrosion. Here, we prepared a novel superhydrophobic-conductive anti-corrosion polyaniline-silica (PANI-SiO2) coating, the internal conductive polyaniline layer effectively reduces electrochemical corrosion, the external superhydrophobic silica layer obviously reduces chemical corrosion. Compared with 304 stainless steel (304SS), the corrosion potential (Ecorr) of the PANI-SiO2 increases to more than 331 mV (SCE), the corrosion current (Icorr) is reduced by more than one order of magnitude, and the anti-corrosion efficiency reaches 97.51%. Meanwhile, the PANI-SiO2 coating has good long-term anti-corrosion performance for 304SS.
Sodium-Metal-Promoted Reductive 1,2-syn-Diboration of Alkynes with Reduction-Resistant Trimethoxyborane
Authors: Ito Shiori , Fukazawa Mizuki , Takahashi Fumiya , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: May 2020

Reductive 1,2-diboration of alkynes has been accomplished by means of sodium dispersion in the presence of trimethoxyborane as a reduction-resistant boron electrophile. Two boron moieties can be introduced onto alkynes with excellent syn selectivity to afford the corresponding (Z)-1,2-diborylalkenes. Bis(borate) species generated in situ can be involved in one-pot Suzuki-Miyaura arylation, formal arylboration of alkynes thus being executed.
Mortgage Debt, Consumption, and Illiquid Housing Markets in the Great Recession
Authors: Garriga Carlos , Hedlund Aaron
Published: May 2020

Using a quantitative heterogeneous agents macro-housing model and detailed microdata, this paper studies the drivers of the 2006–2011 housing bust, its spillovers to consumption and the credit market, and the ability of mortgage rate interventions to accelerate the recovery. The model features tenure choice between owning and renting, rich portfolio choice, long-term defaultable mortgages, and endogenously illiquid housing from search frictions. The equilibrium analysis and empirical evidence suggest that the deterioration in house prices and liquidity, transmitted to consumption via balance sheets that vary in composition and depth, is central to explaining the observed aggregate and cross-sectional patterns. (JEL E23, E32, E44, G21, R31)
Safety and efficacy of endovascular implantation of a portal vein stent combined with iodine-125 seed-strips followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with sorafenib for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Li Shuangxi , Li Lei , Li Baohua , Wang Wenhui
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular implantation of a portal vein stent combined with iodine-125 seed-strips followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with sorafenib (PVS-125I-TACE-S) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Methods:

Between January 2015 and July 2017, 18 patients with PVTT caused by HCC that were treated with PVS-125I-TACE-S were reviewed. The technical success, complications, changes in liver function from baseline values due to subsequent endovascular implantation of a portal vein stent combined with iodine-125 seed-strips (PVS-125I), time-to-tumor progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were observed.

Results:

The technical success rate was 100%. Adverse events (AEs) were managed successfully, with no occurrence of procedure-related deaths. Liver function test values after PVS-125I were not significantly different than baseline values (P＞0.05). The median TTP was 7.0 months (range: 4.2–9.9 months). In Vp3 PVTT, the TTP was 9.7 months (range: 8.8–10.5 months), and in Vp4 PVTT, the TTP was 4.2 months (range: 2.8–5.6 months). The median OS was 10.0 months (range: 7.0–13.1 months). In Vp3 PVTT, OS was 11.9 months (range: 9.2–14.5 months), and in Vp4 PVTT, OS was 7.2 months (range: 3.8–10.7 months).

Conclusions:

PVS-125I-TACE-S is safe for patients with HCC with PVTT and may extend the TTP and survival of patients with Vp4 PVTT.

Advances in knowledge:

PVS implantation promptly restored flow in the obstructed portal vein, which can reduce the risk of hepatic failure and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Implantation of iodine-125 seed-strips may directly expose the portal tumor thrombus to radiation and kill cancer cells. Their combined use with TACE-S has a strong scientific rationale.
Patterns of enhancement in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI
Authors: Hui Cathryn L , Mautone Marcela
Published: May 2020

A variety of patterns of enhancement of liver lesions and liver parenchyma is observed in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. It is becoming increasingly apparent that many lesions may exhibit HBP enhancement. Much of the literature regarding the role of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in characterising liver lesions is dichotomous, focusing on whether lesions are enhancing or non-enhancing in the HBP, rather than examining the patterns of enhancement. We provide a pattern-based description of HBP enhancement of liver parenchyma and of liver lesions. The role of OATP1B3 transporters, hepatocyte function and lesion composition in influencing patterns of HBP hyperintensity are discussed.
Giving voice to those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – the experience and reflections of a person with dementia
Authors: Rochford-Brennan Helen , Keogh Fiona
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to society. Behind the daily tally of deaths and cases of infection are individuals and families who are experiencing the ultimate consequence of this disease. Every aspect of our lives has been affected and these affects are amplified for those who have to cocoon and have conditions such as dementia. There is little opportunity to directly hear the experience of those ‘vulnerable adults’ who have been self-isolating for many weeks now.  This letter takes the form of a reflective conversation with a person living with dementia. Honouring the principles of public and patient involvement (PPI), it is an attempt to give voice to the experience of one of the many thousands of vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as describing the effect on her daily life, Helen describes what supports would help at this time.  While the focus of attention at the moment is rightly on dealing with the effects of the virus in nursing homes, the many thousands of people living with dementia in the community should not be forgotten.
Nurses in isolation, and the dark clouds and silver linings revealed by COVID-19
Authors: Cowan Helen , Mason Lucy , Wilson Emma
Published: May 2020

In a special feature, Helen Cowan interviews two nurses who are shielding during COVID-19 to gain an insight into their experiences of isolation during the lockdown when their colleagues are out on the frontline. She also shares her own experiences and insights as a care home nurse shielding during the current pandemic.
Deep-learning-based whole-brain imaging at single-neuron resolution
Authors: Ning Kefu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Gao Xuefei , Jiang Tao , Wang He , Chen Siqi , Li Anan , Yuan Jing
Published: May 2020

Obtaining fine structures of neurons is necessary for understanding brain function. Simple and effective methods for large-scale 3D imaging at optical resolution are still lacking. Here, we proposed a deep-learning-based fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (DL-fMOST) method for high-throughput, high-resolution whole-brain imaging. We utilized a wide-field microscope for imaging, a U-net convolutional neural network for real-time optical sectioning, and histological sectioning for exceeding the imaging depth limit. A 3D dataset of a mouse brain with a voxel size of 0.32 × 0.32 × 2 µm was acquired in 1.5 days. We demonstrated the robustness of DL-fMOST for mouse brains with labeling of different types of neurons.
Signal processing improvement of passive resonant fiber optic gyroscope using a reciprocal modulation-demodulation technique
Authors: Li Hanzhao , Lin Yi , Liu Lu , Ma Huilian , Jin ZHonghe
Published: May 2020

A resonant fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG) based on the reciprocal phase modulation-demodulation technique is proposed and demonstrated. The residual amplitude modulation induced error of the phase modulator, and the effect of laser frequency noise are all suppressed thanks to the reciprocity of the proposed signal processing scheme. Compared with the past separate modulation-demodulation RFOG, the angular random walk is improved by a factor of 15 times from 0.08°/√h to 0.0052°/√h, and the bias stability is improved from 0.3°/h to 0.06°/h.
Wave-vector-encoded nonlinear endomicroscopy
Authors: Zhuo Guan-Yu , Tsai Po-Lin , Wang Hsien-Yi , Chan Ming-Che
Published: May 2020

Based on a rigid square fiber for wave vector delivery, we present a novel (to the best of our knowledge) wave-vector-encoded nonlinear-optical endomicroscopy (WENE). WENE overcomes three tangled issues, including femtosecond pulse broadening induced signal degradation, complexity of packaging miniaturized scanners in the distal end, and pixel-like images, which cannot be fully addressed by current distal scanning nonlinear endomicroscopy (NE) or fiber-bundle-based proximal scanning NE. Due to the advantages of its simplicity in overall configuration and package in the distal end, the capability of addressing the issue of pulse broadening, and offering continuous wave vector delivery, the demonstrated WENE shows great promise for future basic research on biomedical processes and minimally invasive utilization for clinical diagnosis.
Phonon counting thermometry of an ultracoherent membrane resonator near its motional ground state
Authors: Galinskiy I. , Tsaturyan Y. , Parniak M. , Polzik E. S.
Published: May 2020

The generation of non-Gaussian quantum states of macroscopic mechanical
objects is key to a number of challenges in quantum information
science, ranging from fundamental tests of decoherence to quantum
communication and sensing. Heralded generation of single-phonon states
of mechanical motion is an attractive way toward this goal, as it is,
in principle, not limited by the object size. Here we demonstrate a
technique that allows for generation and detection of a quantum state
of motion by phonon counting measurements near the ground state of a
1.5 MHz micromechanical oscillator. We detect scattered photons from a
membrane-in-the-middle optomechanical system using an ultra-narrowband
optical filter, and perform Raman-ratio thermometry and second-order
intensity interferometry near the motional ground state (

n
¯

=
0.23
±
0.02

p
h
o
n
o
n
s

). With an effective mass in the
nanogram range, our system lends itself for studies of long-lived
non-Gaussian motional states with some of the heaviest objects to
date.
To be ‘skilled’ or not to be ‘skilled’? A case study exploring the interaction of two crafts in anthropological fieldwork in Madagascar
Authors: Brown Sarah Emily
Published: May 2020

This article reflects on the use of, and interactions between, embroidery and reed weaving as methods in anthropological fieldwork with Malagasy craftswomen. The research explores changes in craft methodologies as weavers faced with declining natural resources have shifted to practising embroidery instead. Engagement with the making process was central to the research design, through an apprenticeship in reed weaving and participant observation using both crafts. Reflection on this approach suggests that the researcher’s pre-existing skills affected the role that each craft took in the research, shaping distinct modes of interaction and generating different types of knowledge. Research activities using weaving, in which the researcher was seen as ‘unskilled’, tended to generate technical, practical and logistical knowledge. Activities using embroidery, in which the researcher was already experienced and seen as a ‘skilled’ practitioner, shaped more exploratory research spaces in which more personal conversations emerged. This article discusses ways that the two processes were used to complement each other and suggests that combining both ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ positions could help to overcome some of the challenges of cross-cultural craft research.
Make/share: Textile making alone together in private and social media spaces
Authors: Mayne Alison
Published: May 2020

This work draws on two sister projects which explored the subjective perceptions of wellbeing in women amateur makers who hand crafted in knit and crochet when alone rather than in physical group settings. In the first, participants engaged in a Ph.D. research project where they contributed experiences of sharing their making in a closed group on Facebook, ‘stitching together’ in digital space. In the second, a small, self-selected number from the Facebook research group also took part in a journal-writing project; here, they recorded their experiences of knit, crochet and its impact on wellbeing over several months and shared journals directly back to the researcher rather than the wider Facebook group. Participants from these complementary projects provided insight into the ways that working with yarn helped them feel connected, calm and creative whilst also revealing that their experiences in knit and crochet were not always the soothing panacea one might expect. The approaches in these two projects illustrate how a rich understanding of the ways hand crafting together may be beneficial for wellbeing can be developed even where participants and the researcher are physically remote from one another. Several distinctive methodological contributions can be claimed in these related works: First, the approaches taken in both the journal writing and Facebook-based projects opened up space to question and explore the ethics of care for researcher wellbeing in having participant stories to ‘hold’; secondly, the reflective distance provided by online commentaries and the writing of a journal over time allowed more complex craft experience stories to emerge than would normally be facilitated through a shorter workshop setting.
The intersection of science and television representation of gay sexuality in American culture: A shift from the anti-discrimination narrative to the Born This Way narrative
Authors: Ngo Quang
Published: May 2020

An investigation into the parallelism between media portrayals of gay individuals and the findings produced by the science community can offer possibilities to comprehend the intersection of science and popular culture on the topic of homosexuality. Recognizing this relationship renders it possible to address the historical evolution of media representations of homosexuality alongside the development of scientific knowledge on the same issue. That is, mainstream media can be perceived as a space in which perceptions of what gayness is and means has been negotiated. In this article, I set out to trace how media representations of gay sexuality have shifted from survival to legitimate presence by looking at the adoption of the Born This Way narrative as a new approach to understand homosexuality. To this end, the Born This Way narrative allows for thoughtful and productive representations of gay characters on mainstream television programmes, which the anti-discrimination narrative lacks.
EL INDULTO EN UN ESTADO CONSTITUCIONAL DE DERECHO: Â¿CORRECCIÓN, COMPASIÓN O NEGOCIACIÓN? EN RELACIÓN A LA DECISIÓN DE LA CORTE INTERAMERICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS SOBRE EL INDULTO DEL EXPRESIDENTE DE PERÚ, ALBERTO FUJIMORI
Authors: Sumarriva Ana Calderón
Published: May 2020

Entre los años 2010 y 2018, un tema capturó la atención de la opinión pública: la posibilidad de indultar al expresidente Alberto Fujimori considerando su edad avanzada y las enfermedades que pudiera padecer. En el gobierno de Ollanta Humala, a mediados del año 2013, se le denegó el indulto sobre la base de los siguientes fundamentos: “no tiene una enfermedad terminal, no tiene un trastorno mental incurable, no tiene una enfermedad incurable ni degenerativa y las instalaciones (penitenciarias) tampoco coadyuvan en su perjuicio”. El 24 de diciembre de 2017, mediante Resolución Suprema N° 281-2017-JUS se indultó por razones humanitarias al expresidente Alberto Fujimori cuando este tenía 79 años de edad y había cumplido diez años, diez meses y dos días de prisión.
Pre-germination treatments of Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum) seeds
Authors: Bardiviesso Estefânia Martins , Batista Thiago Barbosa , Binotti Flávio Ferreira da Silva , Costa Edilson , Silva Tiago Alexandre da , Lanna Natália de Brito Lima
Published: May 2020

Paricá seeds have dormancy and, even after mechanical scarification, these seeds show slow and uneven germination. Pre-germination treatments can be used to increase seed germination performance. Thus, the aimed to evaluate the physiological potential and initial growth of paricá seeds after pre-germination treatments, using different substances as plant regulators and nutrients, in addition to mechanical scarification. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2x7 factorial scheme, consisting of the following pre-germination treatments: mechanical scarification (10% and 50% of the seed coat) and seed pre-soaking [control-water, KNO3 ­0.2%, Ca(NO3)2 0.2%, gibberellin 0.02%, cytokinin 0.02%, and mixture of gibberellin + cytokinin (1:1)] besides a control group without pre-soaking, with four replicates. The study evaluated germination and emergence rates, germination and emergence speed indices, collar diameter, plant height, seedling dry mass, hypocotyl and seedling length, and electrical conductivity. It was observed that pre-soaking the seeds in gibberellin after mechanical scarification at 50% as a pre-germination treatment resulted in seeds with higher vigor expression and greater initial seedling growth.