bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoplatform-based cascade engineering for cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Zhu Yufang , Wu Chengtie , Shi Jianlin
Published: October 2020

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in nanoplatform-based cascade engineering for cancer therapy, by concentrating on the design of smart nanoplatforms and the implementation of specific cascade processes.
Electrocatalytic hydrogen production by dinuclear cobalt(ii) compounds containing redox-active diamidate ligands: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Papanikolaou Michael G. , Elliott Alexander , McAllister James , Gallos John K. , Keramidas Anastasios D. , Kabanos Themistoklis A. , Sproules Stephen , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: October 2020

The chiral dicobalt(ii) complex [CoII2(μ2-L)2] (1) (H2L =N2,N6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide) and itstert-butyl analogue [CoII2(μ2-LBu)2] (2) were structurally characterized and their catalytic evolution of H2 was investigated.
μ-Nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer bearing eight peripheral 12-crown-4 units and its methane oxidation activity
Authors: Yamada Yasuyuki , Kura Jyunichi , Toyoda Yuka , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: October 2020

A novel μ-nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer with eight peripheral 12-crown-4 units was synthesized and its methane oxidation activity was investigated.
Nucleophilicity of cysteine and related biothiols and the development of fluorogenic probes and other applications
Authors: dos Santos Alane P. A. , da Silva Jordan K. , Neri Jannyely M. , Neves Ana C. O. , de Lima Djalan F. , Menezes Fabrício G.
Published: October 2020

Biothiols as versatile nucleophiles: recent advances in the development of fluorogenic probes.
Controlled hierarchical self-assembly of networked coordination nanocapsulesviathe use of molecular chaperones
Authors: Hu Xiangquan , Feng Sisi , Du Jialei , Shao Li , Lang Jinxin , Zhang Chen , Kelley Steven P. , Lin Jian , Dalgarno Scott J. , Atwood David A. , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: October 2020

Molecular chaperones play a critical role in directing the assembly ofnanocapsules that assemble into 2D or 3D coordination networks.
Joint beam selection and resource allocation for cognitive multiple targets tracking in MIMO radar with collocated antennas
Authors: Li Zhengjie , Xie Junwei , Zhang Haowei , Xiang Houhong , Wang Chaohui
Published: October 2020

Compared with conventional phased array radar, the collocated multiple‐input multiple‐out (C‐MIMO) radar is envisioned to offer greater freedom in waveform design and can simultaneously manage different beams to track multiple targets in the simultaneous multi‐beam (SM) working mode. In this study, aiming at the multiple targets tracking (MTT) problem, a joint beam selection integrated with power and bandwidth allocation (JSPBA) scheme for the C‐MIMO radar is proposed in the SM mode. By incorporating the modified particle filter, the predicted conditional Cramér–Rao lower bound (PC‐CRLB) is calculated, which gives a measure of the best achievable performance for targets tracking. Then, the optimisation model is established with the aim of improving the worst case of PC‐CRLB to achieve better performance of the worst‐case tracking. Next, a three‐step solution method is proposed to solve the JSPBA problem by converting the non‐convex problem into a series of convex problems. At last, after the solutions are fed back to the control centre to guide the beam generation in the next tracking epoch, a cognitive tracking system is established. Simulation results confirm the superiority of the proposed method in improving the MTT performance in C‐MIMO radar system.
Search for associations containing young stars (SACY)
Authors: Zúñiga-Fernández S. , Bayo A. , Elliott P. , Zamora C. , Corvalán G. , Haubois X. , Corral-Santana J. M. , Olofsson J. , Huélamo N. , Sterzik M. F. , Torres C. A. O. , Quast G. R. , Melo C. H. F.
Published: October 2020

Context. Nearby young associations offer one of the best opportunities for a detailed study of the properties of young stellar and substellar objects thanks to their proximity (<200 pc) and age (∼5−150 Myr). Previous works have identified spectroscopic (<5 au) binaries, close (5−1000 au) visual binaries, and wide or extremely wide (1000−100 000 au) binaries in the young associations. In most of the previous analyses, single-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB1) were identified based on radial velocities variations. However, this apparent variation may also be caused by mechanisms unrelated to multiplicity.

Aims. We seek to update the spectroscopy binary fraction of the Search for Associations Containing Young stars (SACY) sample, taking into consideration all possible biases in our identification of binary candidates, such as activity and rotation.

Methods. Using high-resolution spectroscopic observations, we produced ∼1300 cross-correlation functions (CCFs) to disentangle the previously mentioned sources of contamination. The radial velocity values we obtained were cross-matched with the literature and then used to revise and update the spectroscopic binary (SB) fraction in each object of the SACY association. In order to better describe the CCF profile, we calculated a set of high-order cross-correlation features to determine the origin of the variations in radial velocities.

Results. We identified 68 SB candidates from our sample of 410 objects. Our results hint that at the possibility that the youngest associations have a higher SB fraction. Specifically, we found sensitivity-corrected SB fractions of 22−11+15% for ϵ Cha, 31−14+16% for TW Hya and 32−8+9% for β Pictoris, in contrast to the five oldest associations we have sampled (∼35−125 Myr) which are ∼10% or lower. This result seems independent of the methodology used to asses membership to the associations.

Conclusions. The new CCF analysis, radial velocity estimates, and SB candidates are particularly relevant for membership revision of targets in young stellar associations. These targets would be ideal candidates for follow-up campaigns using high-resolution techniques to confirm binarity, resolve orbits, and, ideally, calculate dynamical masses. Additionally, if the results on the SB fraction in the youngest associations were confirmed, it could hint at a non-universal multiplicity among SACY associations.
Lifting the curtain: The Seyfert galaxy Mrk 335 emerges from deep low-state in a sequence of rapid flare events
Authors: Komossa S. , Grupe D. , Gallo L. C. , Poulos P. , Blue D. , Kara E. , Kriss G. , Longinotti A. L. , Parker M. L. , Wilkins D.
Published: October 2020

Context. The narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335 was one of the X-ray brightest active galactic nuclei, but it has systematically faded since 2007.

Aims. We report the discovery with Swift of a sequence of bright and rapid X-ray flare events that reveal the emergence of Mrk 335 from its ultra-deep multiyear low state.

Methods. Results are based on our dedicated multiyear monitoring of Mrk 335 with Swift.

Results. Unlike other bright active galactic nuclei, the optical–UV is generally not correlated with the X-rays in Mrk 335 on a timescale of days to months. This fact either implies the absence of a direct link between the two emission components; or else implies that the observed X-rays are significantly affected by (dust-free) absorption along our line of sight. The UV and optical, however, are closely correlated at the 99.99% confidence level. The UV is leading the optical by Δt = 1.5 ± 1.5 d. The Swift X-ray spectrum shows strong deviations from a single power law in all brightness states of the outbursts, indicating that significant absorption or reprocessing is taking place. Mrk 335 displays a softer-when-brighter variability pattern at intermediate X-ray count rates, which has been seen in our Swift data since 2007 (based on a total of 590 observations). This pattern breaks down at the highest and lowest count rates.

Conclusions. We interpret the 2020 brightening of Mrk 335 as a decrease in column density and covering factor of a partial-covering absorber along our line of sight in the form of a clumpy accretion-disk wind that reveals an increasing portion of the intrinsic emission of Mrk 335 from the disk and/or corona region, while the optical emission-line regions receive a less variable spectral energy distribution. This then also explains why Mrk 335 was never seen to change its optical Seyfert type (not “changing look”) despite its factor ∼50 X-ray variability with Swift.
A class of discrete predator–prey interaction with bifurcation analysis and chaos control
Authors: Din Qamar , Saleem Nafeesa , Shabbir Muhammad Sajjad
Published: October 2020

The interaction between prey and predator is well-known within natural ecosystems. Due to their multifariousness and strong link population dynamics, predators contain distinct features of ecological communities. Keeping in view the Nicholson-Bailey framework for host-parasitoid interaction, a discrete-time predator–prey system is formulated and studied with implementation of type-II functional response and logistic prey growth in form of the Beverton-Holt map. Persistence of solutions and existence of equilibria are discussed. Moreover, stability analysis of equilibria is carried out for predator–prey model. With implementation of bifurcation theory of normal forms and center manifold theorem, it is proved that system undergoes transcritical bifurcation around its boundary equilibrium. On the other hand, if growth rate of consumers is taken as bifurcation parameter, then system undergoes Neimark-Sacker bifurcation around its positive equilibrium point. Methods of chaos control are introduced to avoid the populations from unpredictable behavior. Numerical simulation is provided to strengthen our theoretical discussion.
Dokumentenlenkungssystem für den OP
Authors: Weiler Michael
Published: October 2020

Tagtäglich gibt es eine Flut an Informationen, die zu den Mitarbeitern gelangen muss: Standards, Dienstanweisungen, Richtlinien, Reinigungs- und Desinfektionspläne – die Liste ließe sich fortsetzen. Doch wie kann sichergestellt werden, dass tatsächlich alle wichtigen Informationen jeden einzelnen Mitarbeiter erreichen? Im Zentral-OP des Kopfklinikums am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg wurde ein Dokumentenlenkungssystem eingeführt, mit dem Informationen gezielt und strukturiert an alle Mitarbeiter verteilt werden können.
Medizin auf der Grundlage einer treuhänderischen Sorgebeziehung
Authors: Naegler Heinz
Published: October 2020

Der finanzielle Druck, dem Ärzte und Geschäftsführer in den Krankenhäusern ausgesetzt sind, ist in den letzten Jahren gestiegen. Immer häufiger wird von den Ärzten erwartet, dass sie bei ihren Entscheidungen nicht nur die Patienten-Bedürfnisse, sondern auch die Krankenhaus-Interessen berücksichtigen. Begünstigt wird dieses Geschehen durch das Fehlen von Normen, die sowohl dem Berufsethos der Ärzte verpflichtet sind als auch der Ressourcenknappheit Rechnung tragen. Mit der Einführung eines Unternehmensgrundsatzes und eines Klinik-Kodex, die als Selbstverpflichtung sowohl des Geschäftsführers als auch der Ärzte praktiziert werden, wird es möglich, das Vertrauen des Patienten in den ihn behandelnden Arzt und in die Institution Krankenhaus zu stärken und mit der Ressourcenknappheit medizinethisch vertretbar – im Sinne des sich um den Patienten sorgen – umzugehen.
Electrochemical Oxidative C–H Thiocyanation or Selenocyanation of Imidazopyridines and Arenes
Authors: Liu Ping , Sun Peipei , Cui Ting , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lin Jun , Zhu Zitong
Published: October 2020

Regioselective electrochemical oxidative C–H thiocyanation or selenocyanation of imidazopyridines was achieved by using an undivided electrolytic cell. Transition-metal- and oxidant-free conditions are striking features of this protocol. A library of thiocyanated imidazopyridines with a broad range of functional groups were synthesized in high yields. This method was also applicable to the thiocyanation or selenocyanation of some electron-rich arenes.
Subsupercritical Water Generated by Inductive Heating Inside Flow Reactors Facilitates the Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Kirschning Andreas , Oltmanns Mona
Published: October 2020

Claisen rearrangement of electron-deficient O-allylated phenols, including fluorine-modified phenols, is facilitated in aqueous media at high temperatures and pressures under flow conditions, as opposed to organic solvents. The O-allylation of phenols can be coupled with the Claisen rearrangement in an integrated flow system.
CsF-Catalyzed Fluoroacylation of Tetrafluoroethylene Using Acyl Fluorides for the Synthesis of Pentafluoroethyl Ketones
Authors: Ogoshi Sensuke , Ishida Naoyoshi , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Sunagawa Denise Eimi , Ohashi Masato
Published: October 2020

A catalytic method for the synthesis of pentafluoroethyl ketones­ has been developed. The cesium fluoride catalyst can be used to convert acyl fluorides into the pentafluoroethyl ketones under tetrafluoroethylene pressure without generating stoichiometric quantities of chemical waste. Mechanistic studies suggest that high reaction temperature is crucial for the ketone to be the major product.
Severe Locked-In-Like Guillain–Barré's Syndrome: Dilemmas in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Korinthenberg Rudolf , Eckenweiler Matthias , Fuchs Hans
Published: October 2020

Guillain–Barré's syndrome in childhood can follow an atypical course, increasing the challenges in diagnosis and decisions regarding immunomodulatory treatment. Here, we report the case of on a 13-year-old boy with acute onset Guillain–Barré's syndrome progressing over 40 days to a very severe, locked-in-like syndrome despite intensive immunomodulatory treatment. After a plateau phase lasting 3 months and characterized by fluctuating signs of ongoing inflammatory disease activity, we were prompted to perform repeated and maintenance immunomodulatory treatment, which resulted in a continuous and nearly complete recovery of function. Atypical features at disease onset, the severe “total” loss of all peripheral and cranial nerve function, and an apparent late response to treatment give rise to reviewing the dilemmas of diagnosis and treatment in such severe and protracted courses of Guillain–Barré syndrome.
Juvenile Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Epidemiology in Sardinia, Insular Italy
Authors: Sotgiu Stefano , Onida Ilaria , Magli Giorgio , Castiglia Paolo , Conti Marta , Nuvoli Angela , Carta Alessandra , Festa Silvia , Dessì Veronica , Doneddu Pietro E. , Nobile-Orazio Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare and disabling immunomediated radiculoneuropathy. Its worldwide epidemiology is heterogeneous and, in adults, CIDP prevalence varies from 0.6 to 9 cases per 100,000 population. Juvenile CIDP (jCIDP) is even rarer, with age-specific prevalence rates varying from 0.23 to 1.26 owing to different diagnostic criteria (American Academy of Neurology [AAN] and European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society [EFNS/PNS]), different age grouping or, genuine differences.

Objectives We assessed jCIDP incidence and prevalence in Sardinia, an area at very-high risk for autoimmune diseases, using comparable methods.

Design The study area was the northern Sardinia, insular Italy, with 491,571 inhabitants and a pediatric population (0–18 years) of 79,086 individuals.

Results On prevalence day (December 31, 2019) the total crude, age-specific prevalence rate were 6.32 per 100,000 according with AAN criteria, 7.58 per 100,000 population with European Neuromuscular Center (ENMC) criteria, and 8.85 per 100,000 population with both 2006 and 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria. Crude mean incidence rate were 0.42 per 100,000 per year with AAN criteria, 0.50 per 100,000 per year with ENMC criteria, and 0.59 per 100,000 per year using 2006 and 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria. Of the eight patients, six had typical CIDP, one had multifocal-acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM), and one chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP). Patient's disability was generally mild. Clinical course was progressive, monophasic, or relapsing.

Conclusion jCIDP prevalence and incidence rates in Sardinia were criteria-dependent, the lowest obtained when using AAN criteria, the highest using the EFNS/PNS. Nonetheless, even with the exclusion of the “possible” category, by using comparable methodology, prevalence rates in Sardinia are considerably higher than the range reported in all previous jCIDP studies.
The Effect of Nanofilled Resin-Base Coating on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Resin Composites
Authors: Moghaddasi Negar , Tavallali Maryam , Jafarpour Dana , Ferooz Reihaneh , Bagheri Rafat
Published: October 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a nanofilled resin-base coating on the physical and mechanical properties of four different types of resin composites.

Materials and Methods Disc-shaped specimens of four resin composites (Aura bulk fil [SDI], IPS Impress Direct [Ivoclar], Filtek Z250, and Filtek P60 [3M/ESPE]) were prepared and divided in two groups: either uncoated or coated with G-coat plus (n = 10). The specimens were obtained and stored in distilled water (DW) at 37°C. For water sorption and solubility, the specimens were stored for 60 days in DW and measured according to ISO 4049 instructions. The specimens were subjected to color change (ΔE), microhardness, and flexural strength (FS) measurements after 24 hours and 60 days of immersion in DW.

Statistical Analysis ANOVA, post hoc Tukey’s, and independent t-tests were used to analyze data.

Results Mean solubility values of coated groups were significantly lower than that of uncoated ones (p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between neither water sorption nor FS of coated and uncoated groups (p = 0.502 and p = 0.510, respectively). For all materials except IPS Empress, the mean values for ΔE were not statistically different between coated and uncoated groups, and mean microhardness values of the uncoated groups were significantly greater than the coated groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Coating resin composites improved water sorption and solubility but increased ΔE, decreased microhardness, and had no significant effect on FS in the long run.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Berry Aneurysms: Quo Vadis
Authors: Tripathi Manjul , Batish Aman , Mohindra Sandeep
Published: October 2020

Background Intracranial aneurysms are vascular malformations with significant mortality and morbidity profile. Various treatment modalities have been developed to positively impact the outcome profile with gradual shift to the minimally invasive treatment modalities. Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an established primary treatment modality for various intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs); however, its efficacy for berry aneurysmal obliteration has been historically dismal.

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors responsible for poor radio surgical outcome for intracranial aneurysms.

Methods The literature is reviewed for the differential efficacy of GKRS for aneurysm and AVM.

Results Though both are vascular malformations, aneurysm and AVM have inherent differences in angioarchitecture, intracranial location, surrounding neighborhood, radio-sensitivity, and latency for obliteration. The major difference arises because of surrounding neighborhood of connective tissue stroma which stabilizes the irradiated pathology.

Conclusion Though considered radioresistant, aneurysms show promising results with animal models of radiosurgery. The future lies in two hypothetical improvements: with a supporting neighborhood or sensitization of the vessel wall that may change the natural history of an aneurysm, especially an unruptured one.
Is Brain MRI Needed in Diagnostic Evaluation of Mild Intellectual Disability?
Authors: Jussila Miro Pekka , Olsén Päivi , Niinimäki Jaakko , Suo-Palosaari Maria
Published: October 2020

Aim The purpose of our study was to suggest an imaging strategy and guidelines for the selection of the children with mild intellectual disability (ID) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to avoid unnecessary imaging.

Methods The brain MRIs and patient reports of 471 children were reviewed for the imaging findings and ID severity. The correlation between the clinical and brain MRI findings was analyzed in the 305 children with mild ID.

Results Thirty-eight (12.5%) of the children with mild ID had significant abnormal brain MRI findings. Thirty-five of these had other neurological symptoms or diseases in addition to ID, which were an indication for brain MRI. In the logistic regression analysis, seizures (in patients without an epilepsy diagnosis), epilepsy, movement disorders, dysmorphia, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and abnormal head size were statistically significant symptoms or comorbidities associated with abnormal MRI findings. Only three children (1.0%) with mild ID had a significant MRI finding without any other clinical symptoms or disease.

Conclusion Routine MRI in children with mild ID without specific neurological symptoms, dysmorphic features, or related diseases is not suggested for revealing an etiology of mild ID. Since children with ID usually need to be sedated for MRI, routine imaging in the diagnostic evaluation of mild ID should be carefully considered. Clinical examination, other symptoms, and related diseases should be carefully assessed to decide the need for MRI.
T2 Mapping Values in Postmeniscectomy Knee Articular Cartilage after Running: Early Signs of Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Lindner Dror , Chechik Yigal , Beer Yiftah , Tal Sigal , Lysyy Oleg , Blumenfeld-Katzir Tamar , Ben-Eliezer Noam , Agar Gabriel
Published: October 2020

Loading on the joints during running may have a deleterious effect on post–partial meniscectomy knee cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis. Utilizing T2-mapping measurements before and after running may enable the observation of changes in the articular cartilage of the postmeniscectomy knees compared with healthy knees. After medial partial meniscectomy, 12 volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the both knees, before and immediately after 30 minutes of running. Quantitative assessment of articular cartilage was performed using a T2-mapping technique. In the medial compartment of the operated knees, significantly lower T2 values were found in anterior tibial plateau (pre- vs. postrun: 33.85 vs. 30.45 ms; p = 0.003) and central tibial plateau (33.33 vs. 30.63 ms; p = 0.007). Similar differences were found in lateral regions of central femur (post- vs. prerun: 35.86 vs. 40.35 ms; p = 0.015), posterior femur (34.89 vs. 37.73 ms; p = 0.001), and anterior tibia (24.66 vs. 28.70 ms, p = 0.0004). In lateral compartment, postrun values were significantly lower in operated compared with healthy knees, in central femur (34.89 vs. 37.59 ms; p = 0.043), posterior femoral (36.88 vs. 39.36 ms; p = 0.017), anterior tibia (24.66 vs. 30.20 ms; p = 0.009), and posterior tibia (28.84 vs. 33.17 ms; p = 0.006). No statistical difference was found while comparing postrun to prerun healthy knees. Lower T2 values were found in operated knees after 30 minutes of running. These changes were seen in medial and lateral compartments. We suspect that running may subject the articular cartilage to excessive loads in the post–partial meniscectomy knee, loads that in healthy knee do not cause any changes.
The Journey Bicruciate Knee Replacement: Design Modifications Yield Better Early Functional Results and Reduce Complications
Authors: Oikonomidis Lazaros , Santini Alasdair J. A. , Davidson John S. , Banks Joanne V. , Phillipson Andrew , Pope Jill
Published: October 2020

The Journey-I total knee replacement was designed to improve knee kinematics but had several complications including early dislocation. The Journey-II modification was introduced to reduce these while maintaining high function. To assess whether the modified Journey-II prosthesis has succeeded in its designers aims, we undertook an observational study of prospectively recorded data to analyze and compare the two knees. A total of 217 Journey-I and 129 Journey-II knees were identified from the department's prospectively collated registry and were assessed at 1 year by a comparative statistical analysis using numerous factors including pain, functional activity, physical assessment, Short Form-12 (SF-12), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and Oxford scores. The statistical tests included Chi-square, Wilcoxon's rank and Mann–Whitney U-tests with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. There was a variation in primary patella resurfacing between the two groups with 14.3% in the Journey-I cohort and 66.7% in the Journey-II cohort. Both replacements demonstrated excellent postoperative function, but the Journey II performed significantly better than Journey I with fewer complications (37 vs. 10) and better improvement in almost all clinical scores including pain (p < 0.01), mobility outcomes (p = 0.018), Oxford (p = 0.004), and WOMAC (p = 0.039) scores but not with flexion improvement and SF-12 score. There was significant improvement in patellofemoral pain postoperatively in both the Journey I (p = 0.011) and Journey II (p = 0.042) arthroplasty; however the primarily resurfaced patella in a Journey-II implant had better postoperative scores. The main complication of dislocation in the Journey I was not seen in the modified Journey-II implant with stiffness requiring intervention reduced in Journey II. These results suggest that the Journey II has improved short-term clinical outcomes compared with Journey I with reduction of dislocation and other complications.
Matched-Pair Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Images for Location of the Common Peroneal Nerve in Valgus Knees: Comparison with the Varus Knees
Authors: Jung Kwang Am , Shon Oog-Jin , Banday Mohd Irfan , Patil Abhishek , Kim Gi Beom
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to assess the distance and angular location of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) on axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the valgus knees and compare the measurements with those obtained from the control group. We compared the location of the CPN according to the type of alignment by performing a subgroup analysis. From January 2009 to December 2019, we identified 41 knees with preoperative MRI in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for valgus deformity (valgus group). We performed one-to-two matched-pair analysis to a cohort of patients who underwent MRI but were not candidates for TKA (control group), according to sex and age. The valgus group was classified according to the grading system reported by Ranawat et al, and the control group was also subdivided according to the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle obtained from lower extremity scanography: neutral (–3 to +3 degrees from the neutral mechanical axis), valgus (> +3 degrees), and varus alignment (< –3 degrees). Distance between the CPN and posterolateral cortex of the tibia at the knee joint (distance J) and tibial cut level (distance C) were measured. Angle of the CPN from the central anteroposterior axis of the tibia (angle α) was measured. We compared the measurements between the groups. Distance J was significantly closer in the valgus group (p < 0.001), whereas angle α was significantly smaller in the valgus group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found in the subgroup analysis. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between distance J and the HKA angle (p < 0.001). The location of the CPN in the valgus knees was closer to the posterolateral cortex of the tibia at the joint level and showed a smaller angle than that in the other aligned knees. We recommend that lateral soft tissue release for valgus knees should not be performed at the joint line. The results of this study suggest that this would be less safe than a release performed at the level of the proximal tibial bone resection.
Investigation of electron–phonon interaction in bulk and nanoflakes of MoS2 using anomalous “b” mode in the resonant Raman spectra
Authors: Rao Rekha , Yadav Ram Ashish , Padma N. , Jagannath  , Arvind A.
Published: October 2020

Electron–phonon interaction in bulk and nanoflakes of MoS2 is investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Resonant Raman spectroscopic studies carried out on bulk and liquid exfoliated nanoflakes of MoS2 revealed a second order Raman mode (called the “b” mode), whose frequency in the case of nanoflakes was found to be largely different from that in bulk MoS2. Temperature dependent Raman spectra show larger variation in the frequency of the “b” mode in bulk MoS2 as compared to that in nanoflakes of MoS2. This anomalous behavior of the “b” mode could be attributed to the stronger electron–phonon coupling occurring in bulk MoS2, due to higher electron concentration in the same, as compared to that in nanoflakes of MoS2. A larger sulfur vacancy in bulk MoS2 as compared to that of nanoflakes was found to be responsible for higher electron concentrations. These findings are supported by energy dispersive x-ray analysis and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies carried out on bulk and nanoflakes of MoS2. The present study suggests a more sensitive probe for the estimation of electron concentrations in the low limit range by following the “b” mode in resonance Raman spectra.
Molecular dynamics modeling of lithium ion intercalation induced change in the mechanical properties of LixMn2O4
Authors: Tyagi R. , Srinivasan S.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to understand the fracture mechanisms in the lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) electrode at the molecular level by studying mechanical properties of the material at different values of the State of Charge (SOC) using the principles of molecular dynamics (MD). A 2 × 2 × 2 cubic structure of the LiMn2O4 unit cell containing eight lithium ions, eight trivalent manganese ions, eight tetravalent manganese ions, and 32 oxygen ions is studied using a large-scale atomic/molecular massively parallel simulator. As part of the model validation, the lattice parameter and volume changes of LixMn2O4 as a function of SOC (0 < x < 1) have been studied and validated with respect to the experimental data. This validated model has been used for a parametric study involving the SOC value, strain rate (charge and discharge rate), and temperature. The MD simulations suggest that the lattice constant varies from 8.042 Å to 8.235 Å during a full discharging cycle, in agreement with the experimental data. The material at higher SOC shows more ductile behavior compared to low SOC values. Furthermore, yield and ultimate stresses are less at lower SOC values except when SOC values are within 0.125 and 0.375, verifying the phase transformation theory in this range. The strain rate does not affect the fully intercalated material significantly but seems to influence the material properties of the partially charged electrode. Finally, a study of the effect of temperature suggests that diffusion coefficient values for both high and low-temperature zones follow an Arrhenius profile, and the results are successfully explained using the vacancy diffusion mechanism.
Quantifying entropic barriers in single-molecule surface diffusion
Authors: Miletic Mila , Palczynski Karol , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: October 2020

The quantitative role of entropy in the surface diffusion of molecules with many degrees of freedom is still not well understood. Here, we quantify entropic diffusion barriers as well as attempt frequencies by performing a systematic decomposition of the Arrhenius equation for single oligophenyl molecules of various lengths (two to six phenyl rings and benzene as the reference) on an amorphous silica surface using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Attempt frequencies evaluated from velocity auto-correlation functions are found close to kBT/h, the frequency factor of transition state theory. Importantly, we find large positive entropy contributions to the free energy barrier of diffusion up to 55%, increasing with molecular length with 4.1 kJ/mol/phenyl ring. The entropic barrier is about 40%–60% of the entropy of the molecule surface adsorption free energy, revealing that at the transition states, the molecules can liberate a major part of their conformational states, increasing with length. The substantial role of the internal degrees of freedom for the diffusive dynamics is explicitly demonstrated by studying internally constrained, “rigid” version of the molecules. Finally, we discuss also rotational diffusion and the role of surface vibrations. Our results affirm that it is essential for quantitative studies and interpretation of surface diffusion of complex molecules to consider internal entropic effects.
Delta-doped
β
-Ga2O3 films with narrow FWHM grown by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy
Authors: Ranga Praneeth , Bhattacharyya Arkka , Chmielewski Adrian , Roy Saurav , Alem Nasim , Krishnamoorthy Sriram
Published: October 2020

We report on the low-temperature metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of silicon delta-doped β-Ga2O3 films with a low full width at half maximum (FWHM). The as-grown films are characterized using secondary-ion mass spectroscopy, capacitance–voltage, and Hall techniques. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements show that surface segregation is the chief cause of a large FWHM in MOVPE-grown films. The surface segregation coefficient (R) is observed to reduce with reduction in the growth temperature. Films grown at 600 °C show an electron concentration of 9.7 × 1012 cm−2 and a FWHM of 3.2 nm. High resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy of the epitaxial film did not reveal any observable degradation in the crystal quality of the delta sheet and surrounding regions. Hall measurements of the delta-doped film on the Fe-doped substrate showed a sheet charge density of 6.1 × 1012 cm−2 and a carrier mobility of 83 cm2/V s. Realization of sharp delta doping profiles in MOVPE-grown β-Ga2O3 is promising for high performance device applications.
Magnetoresistance effects in cadmium arsenide thin films
Authors: Goyal Manik , Kealhofer David A. , Schumann Timo , Stemmer Susanne
Published: October 2020

In-plane magnetoresistance effects in the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal cadmium arsenide are studied as a function of film growth orientation, film thickness, and surface Fermi level. For films with the Fermi level near the bulk nodes, which are gapped for very thin films, a pronounced planar Hall effect is observed due to the combination of magnetoresistance effects from the Berry phase and orbital magnetoresistance. At high Fermi levels, surface state transport produces weaker magnetoresistance effects. The results are discussed in the context of detecting signatures of the chiral anomaly.
Spatial databases and techniques to assist with prescribed fire management in the south-east Queensland bioregion
Authors: Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , Lewis Tom , Behrendorff Linda , Phinn Stuart
Published: October 2020

This paper identifies key fire history and fire-related spatial databases that can be utilised for effective planning and assessment of prescribed burns in south-eastern Queensland. To ensure that appropriate fire regimes are maintained for specific management objectives (e.g. biodiversity conservation or risk management), and to assist fire managers with planning prescribed fire and post-fire assessments, we describe, using case studies and existing tools, the application of remote sensing data and derived burned area products together with field data to potentially: (1) improve mapping of fire-prone areas; (2) improve the accuracy of mapping burned areas; (3) monitor temporal changes in fuel structure; and (4) map post-fire severity. This study utilised data collected from aerial and satellite-based multispectral, microwave and laser (LiDAR) sensors. There are several spatial databases and analytical methods available that are not currently used by fire management agencies in this region. For example, the methods to estimate fuel, such as LiDAR, are underutilised and unburned patches within a burned area are not routinely mapped. Better use of spatial datasets could lead to an improved understanding of variables such as fuel status, resulting in more efficient use of fire management resources.
Narrative story stem methodologies
Authors: Kelly Kimberly R. , Bailey Alison L.
Published: October 2020

We review three decades of literature across multiple disciplines that demonstrate the efficacy ofnarrative story stem methodologies(NSSM) to elicit responses that are projective of mental processes and to reveal what would otherwise be too complex or sensitive to communicate. The review synthesizes evidence for the extensive and diverse utility of NSSM. To accomplish this, we provide theoretical framing and historical background, describe assessment methods, resulting data and analytic approaches, and chart the empirical work of the past decade that relates story stem narratives to a range of developmental outcomes, and meaning-making processes. This synthesis of cross-disciplinary research provides the first comprehensive review of a truly innovative narrative methodology and includes work across periods of development, representing research that has primarily focused on children with increasing emphasis on adolescents and adults.
Where are all the men? Low energy availability in male cyclists: A review
Authors: Schofield Katherine L. , Thorpe Holly , Sims Stacy T.
Published: October 2020

Most of the low energy availability (LEA) research has been conducted in female populations. The occurrence of LEA in male athletes is not well known, even with an understanding of the components involved in and contributing to LEA. Cycling is a major risk factor for LEA due to inherent sports characteristics: low impact, high energy demands, and a common perception that leanness is a performance advantage. The purpose of this review is to discuss the cycling‐specific studies that have documented components of RED‐S. The review demonstrates male cyclists (1) experience energy deficits daily, weekly and throughout a season; (2) exhibit lower bone mineral density at the spine compared to the hip, and low bone mineral density correlating with LEA and; (3) demonstrate downregulation of the endocrine system with elevated cortisol, reduced testosterone and insulin‐like growth factor 1. The complexity of LEA is further explored by the socio‐psychological contribution that may impact eating behaviours, and therefore increase the risk of developing LEA. Future research directions include applying multifaceted research methods to gain a greater understanding of this syndrome and the effect of LEA on male cyclists.
Gravitomagnetism in the Lewis cylindrical metrics
Authors: Costa L Filipe O , Natário José , Santos N O
Published: October 2020

The Lewis solutions describe the exterior gravitational field produced by infinitely long rotating cylinders, and are useful models for global gravitational effects. When the metric parameters are real (Weyl class), the exterior metrics of rotating and static cylinders are locally indistinguishable, but known to globally differ. The significance of this difference, both in terms of physical effects (gravitomagnetism) and of the mathematical invariants that detect the rotation, remain open problems in the literature. In this work we show that, by a rigid coordinate rotation, the Weyl class metric can be put into a ‘canonical’ form where the Killing vector field ∂
t
is time-like everywhere, and which depends explicitly only on three parameters with a clear physical significance: the Komar mass and angular momentum per unit length, plus the angle deficit. This new form of the metric reveals that the two settings differ only at the level of the gravitomagnetic vector potential which, for a rotating cylinder, cannot be eliminated by any global coordinate transformation. It manifests itself in the Sagnac and gravitomagnetic clock effects. The situation is seen to mirror the electromagnetic field of a rotating charged cylinder, which likewise differs from the static case only in the vector potential, responsible for the Aharonov–Bohm effect, formally analogous to the Sagnac effect. The geometrical distinction between the two solutions is also discussed, and the notions of local and global staticity revisited. The matching in canonical form to the van Stockum interior cylinder is also addressed.
Determining the angular velocity of a clock’s second hand and the average angular velocity of a metronome using a smartphone
Authors: Kapucu Serkan
Published: October 2020

This study aims to measure the angular velocity of a clock’s second hand and the average angular velocity of a metronome using a smartphone. To determine the angular velocities, the ticking of clock’s second hand and the metronome beats were recorded. The angle between the extreme left and right positions of the metronome’s hand was also measured. Some free smartphone applications for these measurements, e.g. ‘Grandfather Clock,’ ‘Metronome,’ ‘Protractor,’ and ‘Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite’ were used during the study. The results revealed that the smartphone can be a reliable tool in determining the angular velocities of rotating or oscillating objects that emit sound.
Photon-counting x-ray detectors for CT
Authors: Danielsson Mats , Persson Mats , Sjölin Martin
Published: October 2020

The introduction of photon-counting detectors is expected to be the next major breakthrough in clinical x-ray computed tomography (CT). During the last decade, there has been considerable research activity in the field of photon-counting CT, in terms of both hardware development and theoretical understanding of the factors affecting image quality. In this article, we review the recent progress in this field with the intent of highlighting the relationship between detector design considerations and the resulting image quality. We discuss detector design choices such as converter material, pixel size, and readout electronics design, and then elucidate their impact on detector performance in terms of dose efficiency, spatial resolution, and energy resolution. Furthermore, we give an overview of data processing, reconstruction methods and metrics of imaging performance; outline clinical applications; and discuss potential future developments.
Thyroid gland delineation in noncontrast-enhanced CTs using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: He Xiuxiu , Guo Bang Jun , Lei Yang , Tian Sibo , Wang Tonghe , Curran Walter J , Zhang Long Jiang , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop a deep learning method for thyroid delineation with high accuracy, efficiency, and robustness in noncontrast-enhanced head and neck CTs. The cross-sectional analysis consisted of six tests, including randomized cross-validation and hold-out experiments, tests of prediction accuracy between cancer and benign and cross-gender analysis were performed to evaluate the proposed deep-learning-based performance method. CT images of 1977 patients with suspected thyroid carcinoma were retrospectively investigated. The automatically segmented thyroid gland volume was compared against physician-approved clinical contours using metrics, the Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman analysis. Quantitative metrics included: the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, specificity, Jaccard index (JAC), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean surface distance (MSD), residual mean square distance (RMSD) and the center of mass distance (CMD). The robustness of the proposed method was further tested using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test to assess the equality of distribution of DSC values. The proposed method’s accuracy remained high through all the tests, with the median DSC, JAC, sensitivity and specificity higher than 0.913, 0.839, 0.856 and 0.979, respectively. The proposed method also resulted in median MSD, RMSD, HD and CMD, of less than 0.31 mm, 0.48 mm, 2.06 mm and 0.50 mm, respectively. The MSD and RMSD were 0.40 ± 0.29 mm and 0.70 ± 0.46 mm, respectively. Concurrent testing of the proposed method with 3D U-Net and V-Net showed that the proposed method had significantly improved performance. The proposed deep-learning method achieved accurate and robust performance through six cross-sectional analysis tests.
Noncontact optical imaging of brain hemodynamics in preterm infants: a preliminary study
Authors: Abu Jawdeh Elie G , Huang Chong , Mazdeyasna Siavash , Chen Lei , Chen Li , Bada Henrietta S , Yu Guoqiang
Published: October 2020

Extremely preterm infants’ hemodynamic instability places them at high risk of brain injury. Currently there is no reliable bedside method to continuously monitor cerebral hemodynamics in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This paper reports a feasibility study to adapt and test an innovative speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) device for noncontact, high-density, 3D imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in preterm infants. The scDCT scans a focused point near-infrared illumination to multiple source positions for deep tissue penetration, and controls an electron multiplying charge-coupled-device camera with thousands of pixels to achieve a high-density sampling. The optimized scDCT for use in preterm infants was first evaluated against an established diffuse correlation spectroscopy in an infant-head-simulating phantom with known properties. The observed significant correlation between the two measurements verified the capability of scDCT for transcranial brain imaging. The insignificant influence of transparent incubator wall on scDCT measurements was then confirmed by comparing adult forearm blood flow responses to artery cuff occlusions measured inside and outside the incubator. Finally, the scDCT device was moved to the NICU to image CBF variations in two preterm infants. Infant #1 with no major organ deficits showed little CBF fluctuation over the first 3 weeks of life. Infant #2 showed a significant CBF increase after the 2 h pharmacotherapy for patent ductus arteriosus closure. While these CBF variations meet physiological expectations, the fact that no significant changes are noted with peripheral monitoring of blood oxygen saturation suggests necessity of direct cerebral monitoring. This feasibility study with timely technology development is an important and necessary step towards larger clinical studies with more subjects to further validate it for continuous monitoring and instant management of cerebral pathologies and interventions in the NICU.
AC loss calculation in REBCO coils or stacks by solving the equation of motion for current using an integration approach
Authors: Lai Lingfeng , Gu Chen
Published: October 2020

The flux motion and its collective behaviour known as AC loss is the basic characteristic of high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials and controls the economic efficiency, stability and magnetic field uniformity of superconducting equipment. In so far, we have no method to calculate the AC loss of HTS devices in an efficient way. Normally, it will take days to simulate AC loss of HTS coils even with moderate number of turns. In this paper, we surprisingly found that an integral method is remarkably efficient in calculating AC loss of the coils in large scale. By comparing with the fastest method at present, the integral method is proved to be 4.4 times faster than the present one. We give the calculation details and discuss why this method has an advantage in calculating AC loss of the coil with a large number of turns.