bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of graphene nanowalls in an intraocular pressure sensor
Authors: Liu Zhiduo , Wang Gang , Pei Weihua , Wei Chunrong , Wu Xiaoting , Dou Zhiqiang , Li Yamin , Wang Yijun , Chen Hongda
Published: August 2020

Combining crack mechanism in GNWs with the stretchability of PDMS, a contact lens sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity to intraocular pressure.
Secrecy outage analysis of satellite communication networks with hardware impairments and channel estimation errors
Authors: Zhou Feng , Wang Rugang , Guo Kefeng
Published: August 2020

This Letter investigates the impacts of hardware impairments (HIs) and channel estimation errors (CEEs) on the secrecy performance of satellite communication networks with one legitimate user and one eavesdropper. Particularly, the authors derive the closed‐form expression for the secrecy outage probability (SOP) of the considered secrecy satellite communication networks. Besides, in order to research the impact of the HIs and CEEs at high signal‐to‐noise ratios, they obtain the asymptotic expression for the SOP, which gives efficient and fast method to evaluate the effect of the considered system parameters on the secrecy system performance. At last, Monte Carlo computer results are given to verify the effects of HIs and CEEs on the secrecy system performance.
Akzidentelle Hydromorphon-Ingestion eines Kleinkindes und lebensrettende Telefonreanimation durch die Leitstelle
Authors: Breuer Florian , Poloczek Stefan , Dahmen Janosch
Published: August 2020

Notarzteinsatzfahrzeug und Rettungswagen wurden zu einem 14 Monate alten Kind mit Bewusstlosigkeit und ineffektiver Atmung alarmiert. Durch die Leitstelle erfolgte die Anleitung zu einer Telefonreanimation. Klinisch imponierten eine Miosis, eine massive Ateminsuffizienz sowie eine tiefe Bewusstlosigkeit. Erst im Verlauf konnte fremdanamnestisch in der Klinik festgestellt werden, dass dem Vater des Kindes zuvor mehrere Tabletten Hydromorphon auf den Boden gefallen sind. Nach Oxygenierung und Intubation konnte das Kind nach kurzer Zeit ohne neurologisches Defizit aus der Klinik entlassen werden.
A Comparative Study between Autologous Dural Closure versus Collagen Matrix (DuraGen) Closure in Decompressive Craniectomy for Trauma
Authors: Barooah Rajesh Kumar , Baishya Basanta Kumar , Haloi Hriday , Bhuyan Mrinal , Ali Asman , Sarma Kishore
Published: August 2020

Introduction Neurosurgeons often deal with the problem of a complete and watertight dural closure after cerebral operative procedures. In decompressive craniectomy done for trauma, autologous grafts such as galea, temporalis fascia can be time consuming. Hence this study was undertaken to look into the outcome using collagen matrix graft for dural closure.

Aims and Objectives To study the difference between autologous dural graft closure and collagen matrix graft with respect to the time taken for closure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and wound infection.

Methods This prospective study includes 30 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for trauma. Duraplasty with temporalis fascia graft and nonautologous collagen matrix dural patch was done by randomization. Specific time points during craniectomy and cranioplasty was calculated. Total time for the procedures and the time for dural repair and separation was calculated.

Results The use of collagen matrix in decompressive craniectomy resulted in decrease in mean operative time during the first surgery by average 45 minutes (p< 0.5) as compared to the use of autologous graft. There is reduction in the operating time during second surgery (cranioplasty) by 35 minutes (p< 0.5). The patients using collagen matrix graft did not record any CSF leakage or wound infection. Excellent uptake of the collagen by the duramater was seen.

Conclusion The use of collagen to cover the dural defect for decompressive craniectomy for trauma results in significant reduction in the operating time during the first surgery and also in cranioplasty. There is reduction in CSF leakage and hence duration of hospital stay and cost.
Serum Albumin Levels in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Role as a Predictor of Outcome
Authors: Nayak Raghavendra , Jagdhane Nitin , Attry Sanjeev , Ghosh Samarendranath
Published: August 2020

Background Serum albumin has long been considered as an outcome marker in various critical illnesses. The aim of our study is to ascertain the role of serum albumin as a predictor of outcome in severe head injury patients.

Materials and Methods This is a prospective observational study of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the serum albumin level at admission, patients were dichotomized into two groups: one with normal serum albumin and other with hypoalbuminemia. Their outcomes at 6-month follow-up were assessed by the modified Glasgow Outcome Score.

Result Eighty patients (57 males and 23 females) with severe TBI were included in the study. The mean age of the study patients was 39.6 + 13.1 years and the mean serum albumin level at admission was 3.7 + 1.2 g/dL with lowest being 2.2 mmol/L and highest being 6.1 mmol/L. Thirty-four patients (42.5%) had low serum albumin level (< 3.5 g/dL) at admission. At 6-month follow-up, 58 (72.5%) patients had a good neurological outcome and 22 (27.5%) had a poor outcome. The group with normal serum albumin levels showed a significantly better outcome compared with the hypoalbuminemia group (p = 0.01). On multiple regression analysis, low serum albumin emerged as the only predictor of the poor outcome in severe head injury patients.

Conclusion Serum albumin at admission is an independent predictor of outcome in severe TBI patients. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Impact of Mild Hypothermia on Final Outcome of Patients with Acute Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rouzbahani Abbas , Khodadadi Esmail , Fooladi Marjaneh
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim Stroke is a sudden neurological disorder caused by disturbances in the brain blood flow and loss of normal brain function. Stroke is also the second leading cause of death worldwide. In the last two decades, among the various treatment options for stroke, hypothermia has shown the promise of improving the final outcome. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noninvasive hypothermia on the final outcome of patients with an acute stroke in Iran.

Methods In a randomized clinical trial, 60 Iranian patients diagnosed with acute stroke were enrolled in 2018. Patients were selected by convenience sampling method and then randomized in two groups as experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30). Mild hypothermia was applied using a cooling device for 72 hours on the patients’ heads and intervention results were compared with the control group. Data were collected by using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III (APACHE III), Full Outline of Un-Responsiveness (FOUR), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and later analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.

Results No significant difference was found in the mean scores of all three scales before and after the intervention in control group (p > 0.05) but statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores of all three scales for the intervention group (p < 0.05). The intervention group had an increased mean score in FOUR, while APACHE and NIHSS values dropped. Researchers found statistically significant difference between the mean scores after the intervention in the experimental group compared with the control group in all three scales (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that hypothermia has a significant statistical and clinical effect on the acute stroke outcome and it can be argued that hypothermia therapy can increase the level of consciousness and reduce the risk of death in stroke patients.
Effect of Cannabinoids on Electroencephalography of a Child with Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome
Authors: Prakash Vikram
Published: August 2020

Cannabinoids have been found to be effective in controlling seizures and the highly purified form of cannabinoid derived for Cannabis sativa. Cannabidiol (CBD) is now approved for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. CBD was used in a 9-year-old boy with LGS (unknown etiology) with very good results. The electroencephalography (EEG) response was very dramatic with near normalization of EEG background and complete control of seizures. The effect of CBD on EEG with such an improvement has not been described previously. Also, this adds to evidence that early intervention in LGS with CBD might be more helpful and improve outcomes.
Clinicopathological Study of Mucinous Carcinoma of Breast with Emphasis on Cytological Features: A Study at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of South India
Authors: Chikkannaiah Panduranga , Thangngeo Deinu , Guruprasad Chanigaramaiah , Venkataramanappa Srinivasamurthy
Published: August 2020

Introduction Mucinous carcinoma (MC) is a rare form of breast cancer. It accounts for 1 to 7% of the cases and characterized by the presence of extracellular mucin (ECM). Depending on the amount of mucin, it is classified into pure mucinous carcinoma (> 90%, PMC) and mixed mucinous carcinoma (MMC; < 90%). In comparison to most common subtypes, MC is having better prognosis. There exist clinicopathological differences among PMC and MMC and also MC and IDC-NOS.

Materials and Methods MCs diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. Fine needle aspiration cytology smears were screened for cellularity, ECM, nuclear pleomorphism, signet ring cells (SRC), mucinophages, and myxovascular fragments (MVF). Histopathology slides were screened to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry slides were graded as per the standard protocol. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.

Results In the present study, MC constituted 3.3%. The mean age of the patients was 50.9 years. ECM, mucinophages, and SRC were the key diagnostic cytological features. The PMC and MMC were clinicopathologically distinct with respect to gross findings and lymph node status. MMCs were highly proliferative. The mean duration of follow-up was 24.5 months. Complications were more common in MMC than PMC. Lymph node involvement is the key prognostic factor and it is independent of other prognostic factors like age, size, and hormonal receptor status.

Conclusion PMC are rare subtype of breast cancer. The diagnostic cytological features are ECM, MVF, and SRC. MMC and PMC are clinicopathologically and genetically distinct.
Easy electrode fabrication method demonstrated for quantum dot light emitting diodes
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: August 2020

By eliminating the need for vacuum evaporation, the technique enables the use of low-melting point alloys in QLED top electrodes, simplifying the manufacturing process and optimizing the result.
Stability of epitaxial BiXO3 phases by density-functional theory
Authors: Walden Michael R. , Ciobanu Cristian V. , Brennecka Geoff L.
Published: August 2020

The bismuth-based perovskites are an interesting class of materials that exhibit a variety of coupled ferroic properties. Through epitaxial growth in the (001) pseudo-cubic [(001)pc] orientation, various phases with variable ferroelectric polarization can be stabilized. Using density-functional theory calculations, we predict the phase stability of the bismuth-based perovskite oxides as a function of pseudo-cubic in-plane (IP) lattice constant, mimicking (001)pc epitaxial films. We find that the BiMnO3, BiCoO3, and BiNiO3 systems each exhibit only one stable phase over a wide range of IP lattice constants. In the BiFeO3 (BFO) and BiCrO3 (BCO) systems, by comparison, we find several phases that are energetically favorable, depending on the value of the IP strain. The BFO phases predicted to be stable, in order of increasing compressive IP strain, are monoclinic Cc, triclinic P1, monoclinic Cm, and tetragonal P4mm. In the BCO system, we find two orthorhombic Pbnm phases, respectively, under no IP strain and under compressive IP strain, and one monoclinic Cc phase to be stable under tensile IP strain. Our results serve to guide experimental efforts in terms of selecting growth substrates with the goal of achieving desired epitaxial-stabilized perovskite phases and to support future investigations of the tunability of BXO properties with epitaxial strain.
Structure-dependent strength and toughness in dodecahedral silica nanocage
Authors: Hao Tengyuan , Xu Justin , Hossain Zubaer M.
Published: August 2020

Nanocages are structurally complex hollow low-dimensional materials that offer unique properties and functions that are inaccessible in bulk materials. They have tremendous potential in revolutionizing a number of fields including drug delivery and nanotechnology, but their applications remain limited primarily due to inadequate understanding of their extreme mechanical properties. Here, using reactive force field-based classical molecular dynamics simulations, we explore the bulk modulus, strength, and toughness modulus for a number of dodecahedral silica nanocages. The results show that, both under hydrostatic tension and compression, the mechanical properties vary nonlinearly with the structural parameters. Also, unlike bulk silica—which shows softening under tension in the nonlinear regime of mechanical deformation—silica nanocage exhibits stiffening at higher deformation that originates from the structural resistance of the nanocage. We show that the surface-area to volume ratio accurately describes the softening and stiffening behavior of the cage. Likewise, under compression, the nanocage shows three distinctive regimes: (i) linear decrease in stress with increasing strain, (ii) constant stress states with increasing strain representing shrinkage of the empty space, and (iii) exponential decrease in stress with increasing strain dominated by strong repulsion. These findings highlight the possibility of attaining a diverse set of mechanical properties from a nanocage by tailoring its structural parameters.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of secondary electron emission characteristics of ALD-ZnO conductive films
Authors: Zhu Xiangping , Guo Junjiang , Cao Weiwei , Liu Lutao , Zhang Guangwei , Sun Xin , Zhao Wei , Si JinHai
Published: August 2020

Microchannel plates (MCPs) are widely utilized as key device components in various photomultipliers; however, the performance of MCPs cannot be further improved by traditional processing. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising route to prepare a composite conductive layer and secondary electron emission (SEE) layer structure on the inner wall of the MCP. Moreover, ZnO is an essential component of a composite conductive layer, which is located at the bottom of the SEE layer and significantly influences the SEE coefficient, which, in turn, affects the gain performance of MCPs. Herein, ALD is used to deposit different thicknesses of ZnO films (1–50 nm) on an Si substrate, resulting in an ZnO/Si double-layer film structure. The relationship between the SEE coefficient and the primary electron energy of ZnO films with different thicknesses was established. The maximum secondary electron yield value of 2.04 is achieved at a film thickness of 30 nm. Moreover, Dionne's SEE model and theory of semiconductors are used to simulate and verify the experimental results. These results provide useful guidelines for the development of ALD-MCPs.
Origin of exciplex degradation in organic light emitting diodes: Thermal stress effects over glass transition temperature of emission layer
Authors: Na Inyeob , Kim Ki Ju , Kim Gyu-Tae , Seo Youkyung , Kim Yeeun , Kim Young Kwan , Joo Min-Kyu
Published: August 2020

Exploiting exciplexes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to enhance electroluminescence lifetime and quantum efficiency is of considerable interest to researchers. The presence of exciplexes has been demonstrated in a host material interface in a multiple stacked OLED; therefore, understanding the degradation mechanism of exciplexes and host materials is essential to develop highly reliable and uniform OLEDs. Herein, we report thermal stress-driven exciplex degradation in a blue OLED, which comprises 4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-,1′-biphenyl (CBP) as a host material without dopants. The device structure dependent-electroluminescence clearly confirms the formation of exciplexes surrounding the CBP interfaces at 398 and 450 nm, respectively. During the thermal stress over the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the CBP, the spectral intensity of the exciplex decreased significantly, and the ideality factor and characteristic trap energy increased abruptly when the thermal stress temperature was higher than the Tg of CBP, signaling the origin of thermal degradation effects on the exciplex and host material in our OLED.
Laminated low-melting-point-alloy electrodes for vacuum-free-processed quantum-dot light-emitting-diodes
Authors: Xia Fengtian , Chen Shuming
Published: August 2020

Quantum-dot light-emitting-diodes (QLEDs) can be fabricated by low-cost solution processes, such as spin-coating or inkjet printing, making them strong rivals to their organic LED counterparts. However, the top electrodes, which are usually based on metallic thin-films, such as Al or Ag, have to be deposited by a costly vacuum process, which is incompatible with the low-cost solution process. In this work, an InSnBi alloy, which has a low-melting-point of 47 °C, is developed as a laminated top cathode for the QLEDs. Because of the presence of the native oxides that serve as an electron blocking layer, the resultant vacuum-free fabricated QLEDs exhibit an improved performance, with a peak external quantum efficiency of 12.3%, 9.15%, and 2.5% for red, green, and blue devices, respectively, which is 1.5-, 1-, and 1.1-fold higher than that of QLEDs with evaporated Al cathodes. The elimination of the costly vacuum process allows rapid high throughput, and low-cost fabrication of QLEDs for material screening purpose.
Phase dependent radiation hardness and performance analysis of amorphous and polycrystalline Ga2O3 solar-blind photodetector against swift heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Kaur Damanpreet , Vashishtha Pargam , Khan Saif Ahmad , Kulriya Pawan K. , Gupta Govind , Kumar Mukesh
Published: August 2020

Solar-blind photodetectors are critically important for civil and military applications. Several of these applications, such as space exploration and nuclear energy infrastructure, demand the use of a photodetector under extreme environments. In this paper, we have studied the radiation hardness and device performance of amorphous and polycrystalline gallium oxide thin films against heavy ion (Ag7+) irradiation with a high energy of 100 MeV. Gallium oxide thin films show great tenacity against massive and highly energetic ions. The amorphous and polycrystalline phases undergo structural and morphological changes that initially induce degradation in the device performance. Nano-pore like structures are formed in the amorphous film, while the polycrystalline film shows the destruction of large crystallites. The responsivity of the photodetector device reduces fourfold in the amorphous phase; however, a sixfold reduction in the performance is observed in the polycrystalline phase of the gallium oxide photodetector. The degradation is attributed to the annealing of pre-existing optical defects that are otherwise responsible for the huge photoconductive gain in the detector and confirmed by photoluminescence studies. The effect of self-annealing at room temperature and annealing at moderate temperature is investigated to recover the irradiated photodetector devices. Partial recovery in the polycrystalline based photodetector and two orders of magnitude enhanced responsivity and an almost twice faster response time compared to the control photodetectors in the amorphous phase are observed. This work investigates the effect of heavy and energetic ions on the performance of gallium oxide based solar-blind photodetector and provides the guideline to use high energy irradiation as a tool for defect engineering.
A 25-y longitudinal dolphin cohort supports that long-lived individuals in same environment exhibit variation in aging rates
Authors: Venn-Watson Stephanie , Jensen Eric D. , Schork Nicholas J.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Aging is a degradative process that varies among individuals. Due to limitations in defining and differentiating aging rates in human populations, understanding why some people appear to age slower than others has proven difficult. We analyzed 44 blood-based indices of health as candidate aging rate biomarkers collected over a 25-y period on a relevant, long-lived population of dolphins. Evidence of subsets of dolphins exhibiting slow and accelerated aging rates were detected, despite sharing the same environment, diet, and health care. Furthermore, some dolphin subsets were more likely to develop clinically relevant conditions, including anemia and immunosenescence. Our results support the notion that aging rates in long-lived mammals may be defined and provide insight into novel interventions to delay aging.
Nucleosome allostery in pioneer transcription factor binding
Authors: Tan Cheng , Takada Shoji
Published: August 2020

Significance

Upon binding of effectors, allosteric molecules change their structures and responses to the downstream molecules, which can be viewed as the molecular if−then device. Simulating binding of two pioneer transcription factors (TFs), Sox2 and Oct4, to a nucleosome, which is the fundamental unit of genome folding, we found that a nucleosome acts as a new type of allosteric molecule. Free nucleosomes exhibited rotation-coupled sliding of their DNA among metastable positions. The Sox2 binding on them selected a specific rotational phase of its motif, inducing global sliding of nucleosomal DNA. Consequently, the repositioned DNA affected the accessibility of another TF, Oct4, or the second molecule of Sox2 at a distant region within the nucleosome, which thus is a long-distance allosteric effect.
Electronic structure and photophysics of a supermolecular iron complex having a long MLCT-state lifetime and panchromatic absorption
Authors: Jiang Ting , Bai Yusong , Zhang Peng , Han Qiwei , Mitzi David B. , Therien Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Significance

The main hurdle that prevents earth-abundant iron-based complexes from replacing environmentally unfriendly and expensive heavy metal [e.g., Ru(II), Os(II), Ir(III)] complexes in solar-energy conversion applications is the typical ultrashort (femtosecond timescale) charge-transfer state lifetime of Fe(II) chromophores. We provide a design roadmap to a generation of efficient iron-based photosensitizers and present an Fe(II) complex archetype, FeNHCPZn, which features a profoundly extended metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (
3
MLCT) lifetime and a large transition-dipole moment difference between its ground and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states. This supermolecular design promotes superior visible photon harvesting over classic metal complexes while assuring a triplet excited-state oxidation potential appropriate for charge injection into the conduction bands of common semiconductor electrode materials, highlighting its photosensitizing utility in dye-sensitized solar-cell architectures.
Noncovalent π-stacked robust topological organic framework
Authors: Meng Dong , Yang Jonathan Lee , Xiao Chengyi , Wang Rui , Xing Xiaofei , Kocak Olkan , Aydin Gulsevim , Yavuz Ilhan , Nuryyeva Selbi , Zhang Lei , Liu Guogang , Li Zhenxing , Yuan Shuai , Wang Zhao-Kui , Wei Wei , Wang Zhaohui , Houk K. N. , Yang Yang
Published: August 2020

Significance

A robust noncovalent π∙∙∙π interaction-stacked organic framework (OF), called πOF, consisting of a permanent three-dimensional porous structure that is held together by pure intralayer noncovalent π∙∙∙π interactions is synthesized and characterized. πOF shows excellent thermostability and high recyclability and exhibits self-healing properties by which the parent porosity is recovered upon solvent annealing at room temperature. We demonstrate remarkable transport properties of πOF in an organic-field-effect transistor, with mobility that is superior to traditional covalent OFs. πOF is a porous and conductive material for high-performance organic electronics.
Methodological concerns and their solutions in third-age language learning studies
Authors: van der Ploeg Mara , Keijzer Merel , Lowie Wander
Published: August 2020

With the average life expectancy in especially developed countries steadily increasing, healthy ageing is
prioritised on the research agenda. Various studies have looked into bilingualism as a possible anti-ageing tool to delay the
onset of symptoms of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, with as perhaps the most promising recent line of work intervention
studies that introduce bilingual experiences to seniors in the form of foreign language courses meant to induce a protective
effect on cognitive decline. Unfortunately, the scant studies available have not found convincing results, most likely due to
several pitfalls in their designs, one of the most important being that method of instruction is rarely specified or controlled
for. In this paper, we identify methodological concerns that need to be addressed when conducting experimental work related to
third-age language learning, resulting in a research agenda for third-age language learning studies.
The cost of ignoring degrees of Abstand in defining a regional language
Authors: Leonardi Mara Maya Victoria , Tamburelli Marco
Published: August 2020

It is generally accepted that the concepts ‘language’ and ‘dialect’ are not entirely linguistic
notions, but also involve social, cultural and political factors. Nonetheless, it is still nowadays difficult to agree
upon a set of satisfying criteria by which ‘languages’ can be differentiated from ‘dialects’. In this chapter, we
analyse the linguistic context present in South Tyrol in order to highlight the consequences of these unsatisfying
definitions. Using the intelligibility criterion, we demonstrate that there is a certain degree of
Abstand between Standard German and the Bavarian variety spoken in South Tyrol. We then show how
this degree of Abstand affects the early stages of acquisition and the linguistic performance of
South Tyrolean children.
Surveying the ethnolinguistic vitality of two contested languages
Authors: Dołowy-Rybińska Nicole , Soria Claudia
Published: August 2020

In this chapter we present the results of a Polish-Italian research project aimed at evaluating and
comparing the vitality of two contested languages: Kashubian in Poland and Piedmontese in Italy.

Despite their different institutional status (Kashubian is a language recognised under the Polish
law while Piedmontese is a contested language that remains unrecognised under Italian law), they show similarities
with regard to their range of uses and speakers’ attitudes. The ethnolinguistic vitality of both communities is low,
and so are the status and prestige of both languages in their respective countries. Consciousness about the importance
of their maintenance is weakening, both within the communities and in wider social contexts. As they belong to the
same language family as their respective dominant languages, they were/are treated as dialects of the state languages
and thus not worthy of preservation. However, current accounts of language vitality for Kashubian and Piedmontese are
rather optimistic. We believe that this optimism is mainly due to an over-estimation of the importance of number of
speakers as a parameter for assessing vitality over others that address the ideology surrounding the language, such as
speakers’ attitudes, stigma, and the comparison between actual and perceived use of the language.

This chapter presents the preliminary results of a new survey addressing the vitality of these two
languages. The survey makes use of a new combination of ethnolinguistic vitality parameters and is specifically
focused on aspects related to language ideology.
Revitalising contested languages
Authors: Coluzzi Paolo , Brasca Lissander , Scuri Simona
Published: August 2020

This chapter opens with an introduction to the Lombard language and its institutional and
sociolinguistic situation, including the reasons why the term “language” is used and not the commonly used “dialect”.
The second and main part of the chapter looks at what has been done to date and what is currently being done to try to
reverse the ongoing language shift that is constantly reducing the number of speakers and the domains where the
language is used. This includes a detailed account of corpus planning, particularly the phase known as ‘graphisation’
(writing systems, including the latest polynomic system for all Lombard varieties), status planning and acquisition
planning, all of which have been carried out by committed individuals and private associations. The chapter closes
with a short discussion on the present status of Lombard with reference to the recent regional law for the protection
and promotion of the Lombard language.
Improving tolerance of cotton (
Gossypium hirsutum
L.) to drought and heat stress
Authors: Ul-Allah Sami , Iqbal Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Drought and heat stress are burning issues for agriculture in the climate change scenario due to which lower yield and production of crops have been projected. In this situation, sustainable production of food and fiber crops is a challenge. Cotton (
Gossypium hirsutum
L.) is a major cash crop of the world including Pakistan, and its growth and yield are highly influenced by drought and heat stress. Development of drought and heat stress tolerant genotype is the most sustainable way to cope with this stress. In this review, different tolerance mechanisms of the cotton plant against heat and drought stress are discussed. These tolerance mechanisms include morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic adaptations of cotton plant to the external stress. Moreover, different strategies to improve the tolerance of cotton against heat and drought stress have also been discussed. As both stresses complement each other in most of the cases and some mechanisms are the same for both stresses, therefore, both are discussed together. Prospects and challenges have also been discussed.
Modified forward and inverse Born series for the Calderon and diffuse-wave problems
Authors: Abhishek Anuj , Bonnet Marc , Moskow Shari
Published: August 2020

We propose a new direct reconstruction method based on series inversion for electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and the inverse scattering problem for diffuse waves. The standard Born series for the forward problem has the limitation that the series requires that the contrast lies within a certain radius for convergence. Here, we instead propose a modified Born series which converges for the forward problem unconditionally. We then invert this modified Born series and compare reconstructions with the usual inverse Born series. We also show that the modified inverse Born series has a larger radius of convergence.
Equilibrium shape of misfitting precipitates with anisotropic elasticity and anisotropic interfacial energy
Authors: Joshi Tushar , Arora Rajat , Basak Anup , Gupta Anurag
Published: August 2020

Extended finite element method and anisotropic level set method are coupled to determine locally stable equilibrium shapes of homogeneous and inhomogeneous precipitates in a large matrix. The bulk elasticity and the interfacial energy density are both allowed to be anisotropic while the misfit strain is kept dilatational. The anisotropy in the crystalline interfacial energies, incorporated through a dependence on the orientation, renders the evolution equation unstable for certain orientation regimes. The equation is regularized by adding a curvature term in the interface energy density which in turn requires the level set method to be modified suitably. The developed methodology is verified for several existing solutions before obtaining new results in the presence of anisotropic interfacial energy. Equilibrium shapes are obtained both for single and multiple precipitates with an emphasis on the interplay between the anisotropies in bulk elasticity and interface energy density.
Peatland protection and restoration are key for climate change mitigation
Authors: Humpenöder Florian , Karstens Kristine , Lotze-Campen Hermann , Leifeld Jens , Menichetti Lorenzo , Barthelmes Alexandra , Popp Alexander
Published: August 2020

Peatlands cover only about 3% the global land area, but store about twice as much carbon as global forest biomass. If intact peatlands are drained for agriculture or other human uses, peat oxidation can result in considerable CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases (GHG) for decades or even centuries. Despite their importance, emissions from degraded peatlands have so far not been included explicitly in mitigation pathways compatible with the Paris Agreement. Such pathways include land-demanding mitigation options like bioenergy or afforestation with substantial consequences for the land system. Therefore, besides GHG emissions owing to the historic conversion of intact peatlands, the increased demand for land in current mitigation pathways could result in drainage of presently intact peatlands, e.g. for bioenergy production. Here, we present the first quantitative model-based projections of future peatland dynamics and associated GHG emissions in the context of a 2 °C mitigation pathway. Our spatially explicit land-use modelling approach with global coverage simultaneously accounts for future food demand, based on population and income projections, and land-based mitigation measures. Without dedicated peatland policy and even in the case of peatland protection, our results indicate that the land system would remain a net source of CO2 throughout the 21st century. This result is in contrast to the outcome of current mitigation pathways, in which the land system turns into a net carbon sink by 2100. However, our results indicate that it is possible to reconcile land use and GHG emissions in mitigation pathways through a peatland protection and restoration policy. According to our results, the land system would turn into a global net carbon sink by 2100, as projected by current mitigation pathways, if about 60% of present-day degraded peatlands would be rewetted in the coming decades, next to the protection of intact peatlands.
The effect of cold and hot pressing on mechanical properties and tribological behavior of Mg-Al2O3 nanocomposites
Authors: Rahmani Kaveh , Sadooghi Ali , Hashemi Seyed Jalal
Published: August 2020

In this research, pure powder of Mg was mixed with 0, 1.5, 3, 5%vol. of Aluminium oxide in a planetary mill. Next, the powder mixture was poured in a mold and pressed in two diverse conditions of (1) hot pressing at 600 MPa pressure and 450 °C temperature for 25 min and (2) cold pressing at 600 MPa pressure in the room temperature and samples sintered in a furnace under Argon gas at 450 °C temperature for 2 h. Density and mechanical properties, e.g., microhardness, and wear properties of the produced samples were assessed. Also, metallographic photography and SEM analysis were done on the samples to investigate their microstructure properties and analyze their worn surfaces. The results revealed that with an increase in the volume of the reinforcement particles, the experimental density and microhardness soared, on the contrary, the relative density showed a decreasing trend. Moreover, the results of the microhardness analysis for the produced samples via hot pressing method were achieved better than those of cold pressing, as the highest hardness 81HV was achieved for %5 vol. Al2O3 containing samples produced through the hot pressing method, which was about %18 more than that of the %5 vol. Al2O3 containing samples produced via the cold pressing method and was about %85 more than of the pure Mg samples produced via the hot pressing method. The results of the samples’ wear properties also signified the improvement of wear resistance and decrease of mass loss with an increase in the volume fraction of the reinforcement particles. The lowest mass loss of 2.5 g was obtained for the sample containing %5 vol. of the reinforcement particle which was produced via the hot pressing method. This value was less about %40 and %80 compared to pure Mg samples produced via hot and cold pressing methods, respectively.
Cadmium (II) removal from aqueous solution using magnetic spent coffee ground biochar: Kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic adsorption
Authors: Hussain Naeem , Chantrapromma Suchada , Suwunwong Thitipone , Phoungthong Khamphe
Published: August 2020

Spent coffee grounds are a waste generated in large amounts by the food industry producing instant coffee. While it is used as animal feed, mostly spent coffee grounds are burned. In this study, The spent coffee grounds were modified to be magnetic in order to remove cadmium (II) ion. The magnetic solids are easy to separate from water with a magnet. The biochar was prepared at 400 °C. Several factors that affect the adsorption were studied, such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and effect of solution pH. At the optimum conditions (the adsorbent dosage 0.1 g l−1, pH 7, time 30 min and the initial concentration 40 mg l−1), the percentage removal of Cd(II) was ∼96%. The surface morphology of the adsorbent showed iron particles with a cubical shape on the adsorbent, with 3–20 μm average diameter. The adsorption data was well fit by a pseudo-second order and a Langmuir isotherm, with the maximum adsorption capacity 10.42 mg/g. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The main goal of the study is to re-use the spent coffee grounds waste and use low-cost adsorbent for cadmium (II) removal in aqueous solution. The magnetic biochar was easily manipulated by external magnetic fields after treatment. With good adsorbent performance of the magnetic biochar, spent coffee grounds could be used to treat Cd(II) contamination.
An approach for normalization and quality control for NanoString RNA expression data
Authors: Bhattacharya Arjun , Hamilton Alina M , Furberg Helena , Pietzak Eugene , Purdue Mark P , Troester Melissa A , Hoadley Katherine A , Love Michael I
Published: August 2020

The NanoString RNA counting assay for formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples is unique in its sensitivity, technical reproducibility and robustness for analysis of clinical and archival samples. While commercial normalization methods are provided by NanoString, they are not optimal for all settings, particularly when samples exhibit strong technical or biological variation or where housekeeping genes have variable performance across the cohort. Here, we develop and evaluate a more comprehensive normalization procedure for NanoString data with steps for quality control, selection of housekeeping targets, normalization and iterative data visualization and biological validation. The approach was evaluated using a large cohort ($N=\kern0.5em 1649$) from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, two cohorts of moderate sample size ($N=359$ and$130$) and a small published dataset ($N=12$). The iterative process developed here eliminates technical variation (e.g. from different study phases or sites) more reliably than the three other methods, including NanoString’s commercial package, without diminishing biological variation, especially in long-term longitudinal multiphase or multisite cohorts. We also find that probe sets validated for nCounter, such as the PAM50 gene signature, are impervious to batch issues. This work emphasizes that systematic quality control, normalization and visualization of NanoString nCounter data are an imperative component of study design that influences results in downstream analyses.
Identification of the RNase-binding site of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for anchor primer-PCR detection of viral loading in 306 COVID-19 patients
Authors: Xu Tao , Wang Jingu , Hu Bingjie , Zhang Guosi , Zhou Wu , Zheng Meiqin , Shen Bo , Sun Baochang , Zhang Yanjun , Chen Yin , Yu Jian , Liang Min , Pan Jingye , Chen Chengshui , Chen Haixiao , Jiang Minghua , Xu Liangde , Qu Jia , Chen Jiang-Fan
Published: August 2020

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) urgently calls for more sensitive molecular diagnosis to improve sensitivity of current viral nuclear acid detection. We have developed an anchor primer (AP)-based assay to improve viral RNA stability by bioinformatics identification of RNase-binding site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and implementing AP dually targeting the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and RNase 1, 3, 6. The arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) improvement of viral RNA integrity was supported by (a) the AP increased resistance of the targeted gene (N gene) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA to RNase treatment; (b) the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by AP-PCR with lower cycle threshold values (−2.7 cycles) compared to two commercially available assays; (c) improvement of the viral RNA stability of the ORF gene upon targeting of the N gene and RNase. Furthermore, the improved sensitivity by AP-PCR was demonstrated by detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 70–80% of sputum, nasal, pharyngeal swabs and feces and 36% (4/11) of urine of the confirmed cases (n = 252), 7% convalescent cases (n = 54) and none of 300 negative cases. Lastly, AP-PCR analysis of 306 confirmed and convalescent cases revealed prolonged presence of viral loading for >20 days after the first positive diagnosis. Thus, the AP dually targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and RNase improves molecular detection by preserving SARS-CoV-2 RNA integrity and reveals the prolonged viral loading associated with older age and male gender in COVID-19 patients.
DTI-MLCD: predicting drug-target interactions using multi-label learning with community detection method
Authors: Chu Yanyi , Shan Xiaoqi , Chen Tianhang , Jiang Mingming , Wang Yanjing , Wang Qiankun , Salahub Dennis Russell , Xiong Yi , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: August 2020

Identifying drug-target interactions (DTIs) is an important step for drug discovery and drug repositioning. To reduce the experimental cost, a large number of computational approaches have been proposed for this task. The machine learning-based models, especially binary classification models, have been developed to predict whether a drug-target pair interacts or not. However, there is still much room for improvement in the performance of current methods. Multi-label learning can overcome some difficulties caused by single-label learning in order to improve the predictive performance. The key challenge faced by multi-label learning is the exponential-sized output space, and considering label correlations can help to overcome this challenge. In this paper, we facilitate multi-label classification by introducing community detection methods for DTI prediction, named DTI-MLCD. Moreover, we updated the gold standard data set by adding 15,000 more positive DTI samples in comparison to the data set, which has widely been used by most of previously published DTI prediction methods since 2008. The proposed DTI-MLCD is applied to both data sets, demonstrating its superiority over other machine learning methods and several existing methods. The data sets and source code of this study are freely available at https://github.com/a96123155/DTI-MLCD.
A consistent implementation of point sources on finite-difference grids
Authors: Koene Erik F M , Robertsson Johan O A , Andersson Fredrik
Published: August 2020

We present a method to position point sources at arbitrary locations on finite-difference (FD) grids. We show that implementing point sources on single nodes can cause considerable errors when modelling with the FD method. In contrast, we propose to create a spatially distributed source (over multiple nodes) that nonetheless creates the desired point-source response. The spatial point source is formulated in the wavenumber domain and is based on the FD coefficients used for the wave propagation. Using this ‘FD-consistent source’ on 1-D and 2-D examples, we show that we can obtain superior fits to analytical solutions compared to single-node or sinc-function source implementations, and we show that sources can be offset to arbitrary locations from ‘on’ the grid to ‘off’ the grid, while resulting in solutions that are identical to within machine precision
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: are we examining the correct outcomes?
Authors: Kemper James M , Wang Rui , Rolnik Daniel L , Mol Ben W
Published: August 2020

Questions continue to be raised regarding the benefit of genetic assessment of embryos prior to transfer in IVF, specifically with regards to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). To evaluate and quantify these concerns, we appraised the most recent (2012–2019) randomized controlled trials on the topic. Only two of these six studies listed cumulative live birth rates per started cycle, with both eliciting a statistically non-significant result. This article describes the concern that a focus on results from the first embryo transfer compared to cumulative outcomes falsely construes PGT-A as having superior outcomes, whilst its true benefit is not confirmed, and it cannot actually improve the true pregnancy outcome of an embryo pool.
Effects of Reynolds Number and Distribution on Passive Flow Control in Owl-Inspired Leading-Edge Serrations
Authors: Rao Chen , Liu Hao
Published: August 2020

Synopsis

As a sophisticated micro device for noise reduction, the owl-inspired leading-edge (LE) serrations have been confirmed capable of achieving passive control of laminar-turbulent transition while normally paying a cost of lowering the aerodynamic performance in low Reynolds number (Re∼O[103]) regime. In order to explore potential applications of the owl-inspired serrated airfoils or blades in developing low noise wind turbines or multi-copters normally operating at higher Res, we conducted a large-eddy simulation (LES)-based study of Re effects on the aerodynamic performance of 2D clean and serrated models. Our results show that the LE serrations keep working effectively in mitigating turbulent fluctuations over a broad range of Re (O[103] ∼ O[105]), capable of achieving marked improvement in lift-to-drag ratio with increasing Res. As the aeroacoustic fields are in close association with the propagation of the turbulence sources, it is observed that the tradeoff between passive mitigation of turbulent fluctuations (hence aeroacoustic noise suppression) and aerodynamic performance can be noticeably mitigated at large angles of attack (AoAs) and at high Res. This indicates that the LE serrations present an alternative passive flow control mechanism at high Res through a straightforward local excitation of the flow transition while capable of mitigating the turbulent intensity passively. We further developed a 3D LES model of clean and partially serrated rectangular wings to investigate the effects of the LE serrations’ distribution on aerodynamic features, on the basis of the observation that longer serrations are often distributed intensively in the mid-span of real owl’s feathers. We find that the mid-span distributed LE serrations can facilitate the break-up of LE vortices and the turbulent transition passively and effectively while achieving a low level of turbulence kinetic energy over the upper suction surface of the wing.