bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of (+)‐epicatechin in subjects with Friedreich's ataxia: A phase II, open‐label, prospective study
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Yasir , Patterson Marc C. , Clark Vicki , Johnson Jonathan N. , Moutvic Margaret A. , Driscoll Sherilyn W. , Kemppainen Jennifer L. , Huston John , Anderson Jeff R. , Badley Andrew D. , Tebben Peter J. , Wackel Philip , Oglesbee Devin , Glockner James , Schreiner George , Dugar Sundeep , Touchette Jillienne C. , Gavrilova Ralitza H.
Published: July 2020

Background

(+)‐Epicatechin (EPI) induces mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant metabolism in muscle fibers and neurons. We aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of (+)‐EPI in pediatric subjects with Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA).

Methods

This was a phase II, open‐label, baseline‐controlled single‐center trial including 10 participants ages 10 to 22 with confirmed FA diagnosis. (+)‐EPI was administered orally at 75 mg/d for 24 weeks, with escalation to 150 mg/d at 12 weeks for subjects not showing improvement of neuromuscular, neurological or cardiac endpoints. Neurological endpoints were change from baseline in Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and 8‐m timed walk. Cardiac endpoints were changes from baseline in left ventricular (LV) structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiogram, changes in cardiac electrophysiology, and changes in biomarkers for heart failure and hypertrophy.

Results

Mean FARS/modified (m)FARS scores showed nonstatistically significant improvement by both group and individual analysis. FARS/mFARS scores improved in 5/9 subjects (56%), 8‐m walk in 3/9 (33%), 9‐peg hole test in 6/10 (60%). LV mass index by cardiac MRI was significantly reduced at 12 weeks (P = .045), and was improved in 7/10 (70%) subjects at 24 weeks. Mean LV ejection fraction was increased at 24 weeks (P = .008) compared to baseline. Mean maximal septal thickness by echocardiography was increased at 24 weeks (P = .031). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

(+)‐EPI was well tolerated over 24 weeks at up to 150 mg/d. Improvement was observed in cardiac structure and function in subset of subjects with FRDA without statistically significant improvement in primary neurological outcomes.

Synopsis

A (+)‐epicatechin showed improvement of cardiac function, nonsignificant reduction of FARS/mFARS scores, and sustained significant upregulation of muscle‐regeneration biomarker follistatin.
Iodination of CART(61‐102) peptide: Preserved binding and anorexigenic activity in mice
Authors: Pražienková Veronika , Marek Aleš , Maletínská Lenka
Published: July 2020

CART (cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript) peptides are involved in food intake regulation, stress, and other physiological functions. Although CART peptides have been known for over 25 years, their receptor(s) have not yet been characterized. In this short review, we will summarize our previous studies, where we reported specific binding of 125I‐CART(61‐102) to PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells. Competitive binding experiments performed with mono‐ and di‐iodinated peptides and their isoforms with oxidized Met67 resulted in nanomolar binding affinity. Moreover, in our previous study, CART(61‐102), as well as di‐iodinated CART(61‐102), have shown a strong anorexigenic effect in fasted lean mice after intracerebroventricular administration. In conclusion, from our previous studies, iodination of CART(61‐102) resulted in mono‐ and di‐iodinated analogs with or without oxidized Met67. All analogs revealed a high affinity to binding sites at PC12 cells and preserved biological activity.
Synthesis of folic acid functionalized terbium‐doped dendritic fibrous nano‐silica and Interaction withHEK293 normal,MDAbreast cancer andHT29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Azizi Sajjad , Soleymani Jafar , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: July 2020

A novel folic acid functionalized terbium‐doped dendritic fibrous nanoparticle (Tb@KCC‐1‐NH2‐FA) with high surface area was synthesized using a novel hydrothermal protocol. In the present work, we report the fluorescent Tb‐doted nanomaterial with emission wavelength at 497 nm which confirms the formation of Tb@KCC‐1‐NH2‐FA. Synthesized nanoparticles were investigated through transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron Microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller, energy dispersive X‐ray, Zeta potential and particle size distribution values and AFM (Atomic force microscopy) techniques. Specially, our desired nanomaterial which has FA moieties on the surface of Tb@KCC‐1‐NH2‐FA where interact with folate receptor (FR) which there is on the surface of the various cancer cells. For this purpose, fluorescence microscopy images were used to prove the uptake of FA based nanomaterial with FR‐positive MDA breast cancer and HT 29 colon cancer cells. Also HEK 293 normal cells as FR‐negative cells verified the specificity of our desired nanomaterial toward the FR‐positive cells. The cytotoxicity survey of Tb@KCC‐1‐NH2‐FA was examined by MTT assays against MDA breast cancer, HT 29 colon cancer and HEK 293 Normal cell lines which confirmed their biocompatible nature with any significant cytotoxic effects even for concentration higher than 900 μg/mL which could be used as a non‐toxic catalyst or carrier in biological ambient. Hence, Tb@KCC‐1‐NH2‐FA were synthesized using green and hydrothermal method; the process was simple with good productivity and desired nanocomposite was non‐toxic.
An update of pathogenic variants in ASPM, WDR62, CDK5RAP2, STIL, CENPJ, and CEP135 underlying autosomal recessive primary microcephaly in 32 consanguineous families from Pakistan
Authors: Rasool Sajida , Baig Jamshaid Mahmood , Moawia Abubakar , Ahmad Ilyas , Iqbal Maria , Waseem Syeda Seema , Asif Maria , Abdullah Uzma , Makhdoom Ehtisham Ul Haq , Kaygusuz Emrah , Zakaria Muhammad , Ramzan Shafaq , Haque Saif ul , Mir Asif , Anjum Iram , Fiaz Mehak , Ali Zafar , Tariq Muhammad , Saba Neelam , Hussain Wajid , Budde Birgit , Irshad Saba , Noegel Angelika Anna , Höning Stefan , Baig Shahid Mahmood , Nürnberg Peter , Hussain Muhammad Sajid
Published: July 2020

Background

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting as small brain and intellectual disability. It underlies isolated reduction of the cerebral cortex that is reminiscent of early hominids which makes it suitable model disease to study the hominin‐specific volumetric expansion of brain. Mutations in 25 genes have been reported to cause this disorder. Although majority of these genes were discovered in the Pakistani population, still a significant proportion of these families remains uninvestigated.

Methods

We studied a cohort of 32 MCPH families from different regions of Pakistan. For disease gene identification, genome‐wide linkage analysis, Sanger sequencing, gene panel, and whole‐exome sequencing were performed.

Results

By employing these techniques individually or in combination, we were able to discern relevant disease‐causing DNA variants. Collectively, 15 novel mutations were observed in five different MCPH genes; ASPM (10), WDR62 (1), CDK5RAP2 (1), STIL (2), and CEP135 (1). In addition, 16 known mutations were also verified. We reviewed the literature and documented the published mutations in six MCPH genes. Intriguingly, our cohort also revealed a recurrent mutation, c.7782_7783delGA;p.(Lys2595Serfs*6), of ASPM reported worldwide. Drawing from this collective data, we propose two founder mutations, ASPM:c.9557C>G;p.(Ser3186*) and CENPJ:c.18delC;p.(Ser7Profs*2), in the Pakistani population.

Conclusions

We discovered novel DNA variants, impairing the function of genes indispensable to build a proper functioning brain. Our study expands the mutational spectra of known MCPH genes and also provides supporting evidence to the pathogenicity of previously reported mutations. These novel DNA variants will be helpful for the clinicians and geneticists for establishing reliable diagnostic strategies for MCPH families.
Solvability of an inverse problem for discontinuous Sturm–Liouville operators
Authors: Zhang Ran , Bondarenko Natalia Pavlovna , Yang Chuan Fu
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider the Sturm–Liouville equation with the jump conditions inside the interval (0,π). The inverse problem is studied, which consists in recovering operator coefficients from two spectra, corresponding to different boundary conditions. We prove the uniqueness theorem and provide necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability of the inverse problem. We also obtain the oscillation theorem for the eigenfunctions of the considered discontinuous boundary value problem.
Statistical process control and process capability analysis for non‐normal volumetric modulated arc therapy patient‐specific quality assurance processes
Authors: Xiao Qing , Bai Sen , Li Guangjun , Yang Kaixuan , Bai Long , Li Zhibin , Chen Li , Xian Lixun , Hu Zhenyao , Zhong Renming
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Applying statistical process control (SPC) to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) program was recommended by the American Association of Physics in Medicine Task Group 218 report, but a comprehensive analysis of PSQA processes with non‐normal distributions is lacking. This study investigates SPC and process capability analysis (PCA) methods for non‐normal IMRT/VMAT PSQA processes.

Methods

1119 VMAT PSQAs were performed on three beam‐matched linear accelerators (linacs), using gamma analysis. The Anderson–Darling statistic was used to test normality. The control charts for each PSQA process were obtained using three non‐normal‐based methods and compared with the conventional Shewhart method. The ability of each PSQA process to produce an output within the specification limit was measured using theindex; in this study, theindex was calculated using two transformation methods and compared with that calculated using the conventional method. The performances of the three linacs were assessed using SPC and PCA methods.

Results

All three PSQA processes were non‐normal (P < 0.005). Compared to the non‐normal‐based SPC and PCA methods, the false alarm rates of the conventional method for linac1, linac2, and linac3 were 0.83%, 3.77%, and 4.95% respectively; the minimum overestimatedvalues were 0.59, 0.87, and 1.49, respectively. The process capabilities of the three beam‐matched linacs were at different levels.

Conclusion

For non‐normal VMAT PSQA processes, the conventional SPC and PCA methods increase the false alarm rates and overestimate process capabilities. Instead, non‐normal‐based SPC and PCA methods are more reliable and accurate in non‐normal PSQA processes. Statistical process control and PCA are useful tools for assessing the performance of beam‐matched linacs.
A fourth–order orthogonal spline collocation method for two‐dimensional Helmholtz problems with interfaces
Authors: Bhal Santosh Kumar , Danumjaya Palla , Fairweather Graeme
Published: July 2020

Orthogonal spline collocation is implemented for the numerical solution of two‐dimensional Helmholtz problems with discontinuous coefficients in the unit square. A matrix decomposition algorithm is used to solve the collocation matrix system at a cost of O(N2 log N) on an N × N partition of the unit square. The results of numerical experiments demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, exhibiting optimal global estimates in various norms and superconvergence phenomena for a broad spectrum of wave numbers.
Visceral Adiposity and High Intramuscular Fat Deposition Independently Predict Critical Illness in Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Yang Yang , Ding Lin , Zou Xianlun , Shen Yaqi , Hu Daoyu , Hu Xuemei , Li Zhen , Kamel Ihab R.
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between adipose tissue distribution and severity of clinical course in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Methods

For this retrospective study, 143 hospitalized patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) who underwent an unenhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan between January 1, 2020, and March 30, 2020, were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID‐19 infection.

Results

There were 45 patients who were identified as critically ill. High visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (called visceral adiposity) (odds ratio: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.05‐5.98, P = 0.040) and low mean attenuation of skeletal muscle (called high intramuscular fat [IMF] deposition) (odds ratio: 11.90; 95% CI: 4.50‐36.14; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for critical illness. Furthermore, visceral adiposity or high IMF deposition increased the risk of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.013, P < 0.001, respectively). High IMF deposition increased the risk of death (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 patients with visceral adiposity or high IMF deposition have higher risk for critical illness. Therefore, patients with abdominal obesity should be monitored more carefully when hospitalized.
Dynamics of the mixtures of fullerene‐60 and aromatic solvents: A molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Singh Satnam
Published: July 2020

The dynamics of the fullerene molecule (C60) in the different aromatic solvents has been probed using all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation. For this study, the four aromatic solvents, (1) 1‐chloronaphthalene, (2) 1‐methylnaphthalene, (3) 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene, and (4) chlorobenzene, have been used. The 1‐chloronaphthalene is important due to the high solubility (51 g/L) of the fullerene in it. The rest of the three solvents have the decreasing order of solubility. In this work, the nature of diffusion of the fullerene and the solvents are studied. It is found that if the concentration of the fullerene molecule is same in different solvents, then the hydrodynamic radius of the fullerene molecules obeys a linear relation with solubility. Hydrodynamic radius of fullerene is found to increase with a decrease in solubility. The radial distribution function of fullerene and solvents is used to calculate their relative orientation. The free energy of solvation of fullerene in these four solvents is also calculated.
Sound Velocities and other Thermophysical Properties of Ammonium Nitrate Solutions
Authors: Chan Sek Kwan
Published: July 2020

Sound velocities of ammonium nitrate solutions are determined experimentally, with ammonium nitrate concentrations from 25 % to 92 % at initial temperatures from the fudged points to at least 20 °C above. Analytical equations are fitted to the experimental data as well as literature data on densities and specific heats. These equations are used to determine other thermophysical properties such as thermal pressure coefficient and Gruneisen parameter.
Geometric Flow Equations for Schwarzschild‐AdS Space‐Time and Hawking‐Page Phase Transition
Authors: De Biasio Davide , Lüst Dieter
Published: July 2020

Following the recent observation that the Ricci flow and the infinite distance swampland conjecture are closely related to each other, we will investigate in this paper geometric flow equations for AdS space‐time geometries. First, we consider the so called Yamabe and Ricci‐Bourguignon flows and we show that these two flows ‐ in contrast to the Ricci flow ‐ lead to infinite distance fixed points for product spaces like , where denotes d‐dimensional AdS space and corresponds to a p‐dimensional sphere. Second, we consider black hole geometries in AdS space time geometries and their behaviour under the Yamabe and Ricci‐Bourguignon flows. Specifically we will examine if and how the AdS black holes will undergo a Hawking‐Page phase transition under the Ricci flow, the Yamabe flow and under the general Ricci‐Bourguignon flow.
1H NMR‐based metabonomic evaluation of the pesticides camptothecin and matrine against larvae of Spodoptera litura
Authors: Dai Li‐shang , Tian Hui‐fei , Hang Yang , Wen Chao‐wei , Huang Ying‐hao , Wang Bin‐feng , Hu Jing‐wei , Xu Jia‐ping , Deng Ming‐jie
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Camptothecin (CPT) and matrine (MAT) have potential as botanical pesticides against several pest species. However, the mechanisms of metabolic and physiological changes in pests induced by CPT and MAT are unknown. In this study, a toxicological test, an NMR‐based metabolomic study, an enzymatic test, and an RT quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) experiment were all conducted to examine the effect of CPT and MAT on Spodoptera litura.

RESULTS

CPT (0.5–1%) exerted high toxicity against larvae of S. litura and caused growth stagnation and high mortality of larvae. A variety of metabolites were significantly influenced by 0.5% CPT, including several energy‐related metabolites such as trehalose, lactate, succinate, citrate, malate, and fumarate. In contrast, MAT showed low toxicity against larvae and induced almost no changes in hemolymph metabolites of S. litura. Enzymatic tests showed that trehalase activity was significantly decreased in larvae after feeding with 0.5% CPT. RT‐qPCR showed that the transcription levels of alanine aminotransferase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase were decreased while lactate dehydrogenase was increased in the 0.5% CPT‐treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that one of the important mechanisms of CPT against S. litura larvae is via the inhibition of trehalose hydrolysis and glycolysis. Our findings also suggest that CPT exhibits a stronger toxicological effect than MAT against S. litura, which provides basic information for the application of CPT in the control of S. litura or other lepidoptera pests.
Determination of absolute photoionization cross‐sections of some aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Jin Hanfeng , Yang Jiuzhong , Farooq Aamir
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Aromatic hydrocarbons play an important role in the formation and growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and soot particles. Measurements of their absolute photoionization cross‐sections (PICSs), that benefit the quantitative investigation of mass spectrometry, are still lacking, however.

Methods

PICSs of some aromatic hydrocarbons were measured with tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (SVUV‐PIMS). Nitric oxide and benzene were chosen as standard references for PICS calibration, since their photoionization cross‐sections are well documented in the literature. Binary liquid mixtures of the investigated molecules and their specific solvents were used in the measurements.

Results

The investigated aromatics include naphthalene, phenanthrene, 1‐methylnaphthalene, indene, 2‐/3‐/4‐methylphenylacetylene, 2‐methylindene, diphenylacetylene, 1‐/2‐ethynylnaphthalene and acenaphthylene. Photo‐induced fragments from the molecules were also observed with increasing photon energy.

Conclusions

Based on our measurements and literature data, PICSs of most aromatic molecules have very similar values beyond their ionization energies. However, molecules that contain the phenylacetylene structure have PICSs higher than other aromatics.
Predicting hysteresis loops of the soil water characteristic curve from initial drying
Authors: Zhao Yanru , Wen Tiande , Shao Longtan , Chen Rui , Sun Xiaohui , Huang Liping , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: July 2020

The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) is an important tool in soil science and geotechnical applications. Most previous studies on SWCCs are limited to one to three drying‐wetting cycles, mainly because SWCC measurement is complex and time‐consuming. The numerous models that have been proposed to predict hysteresis in SWCCs. In this paper, a novel simplified equation is proposed based on the van Genuchten model, whereby SWCC hysteresis can be easily predicted from the initial drying SWCC. The theory for describing the main wetting curve and main drying curve considers the ink‐bottle effect and entrapped air. Laboratory experiments on silicon micro‐powder (SMP) and Guangxi Guiping clay (GGC) were conducted to determine SWCCs for five drying‐wetting cycles. The proposed equation was verified using the experimental SMP data and data from the literature. The predicted hysteretic SWCCs are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Efficiency of fall versus spring applied urea‐based fertilizers treated with urease and nitrification inhibitors II. Crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Lasisi Ahmed A. , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Kumaragamage Darshani
Published: July 2020

The urease inhibitor [N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)] and the nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3,4‐dimethyl pyrazole phosphate have been reported to conserve urea‐based N fertilizers by reducing N losses. However, their effects on crop yield and N uptake are inconsistent and fall‐applied N fertilizers are usually less efficient than spring applications. We conducted a 2‐yr field study on contrasting soils [Carman sandy loam (CSL) and Portage clay loam (PCL)] on the effects of NBPT with and without NI on grain yield, grain N removal, and crop N uptake from fall and spring surface‐applied urea‐based fertilizers. Fertilizer treatments (75 or 100 kg N ha−1) were urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) with and without NBPT or NBPT + NI. Canola (Brassica napus L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, N removal, and N uptake were not consistently greater for urea and UAN treated with inhibitors than for untreated urea and UAN. The inhibitors’ effect on yield and N uptake was observed in urea treated with NBPT in CSL but not PCL. Although agronomic efficiency was significantly greater for spring‐applied untreated urea or UAN than fall‐applied urea or UAN with and without inhibitors in PCL, no significant difference appeared between fall‐applied urea or UAN treated with inhibitors and spring‐applied untreated urea or UAN in CSL. The N conserved by the inhibitors did not appear in the soil as nitrate‐N. Although inhibitors may reduce N losses, their use to increase yield and bridge the efficiency gap between fall‐ and spring‐applied urea‐based fertilizers may be site‐specific.
A TFT‐based Random Accessible Active Pixel Sensor with A Logarithmic‐Exponential Response
Authors: Shi Rui , Xu Yitong , Qi Yihong , Wang Kai
Published: July 2020

In this work, we propose a novel 2‐TFT random accessible active pixel sensor, and verify the circuit performance from the simulation results. Our study shows that the proposed sensor has random accessibility and a wide dynamic range, and it also has a logarithmic‐exponential response with a higher sensitivity under a low light illumination, improves the aperture ratio, and is promising to applications such as fingerprint imaging and flat‐panel x‐ray imaging.
A research of surgical navigation system of mixed reality based on image registration
Authors: Zhou Na , Yin Xiangyun , Wang Lijun
Published: July 2020

This paper studies a registration method that is more suitable for using Microsoft HoloLens as a surgical navigation instrument. The most important step in the surgical navigation process is to register the virtual model with the corresponding lesion. Our registration method is mainly as follows: first use the 3D model recognition in vuforia for coarse registration; then extract the point cloud data of model and real scene scanned by HoloLens; finally use the normal vector geometric features to extract the feature points of the point cloud data, and then use the ICP algorithm Perform fine registration. Our registration method can solve the problem that the traditional ICP algorithm is easy to fall into a local optimum, and it can also improve the registration accuracy to a certain extent.
Research on Desensitization Medical Therapy Based on Virtual Reality
Authors: Zhang Qichang , Wang Lijun , Lu Ningxiao
Published: July 2020

As the pace of society gradually speeding up, more and more people came the problem of psychological fear. The traditional drug therapy trauma on the human body is very serious. The communication with the psychologist does not fully understand the patient's own situation, and it is easy to cause trauma to the psychologist. Virtual reality exposure therapy has important implications for the management of post‐traumatic stress disorder and severe phobias that are difficult to treat with conventional psychotherapy and drugs. Based on the above situation, this paper proposes a psychological phobia detection scheme in a virtual environment based on EEG signals. The program began with a scene of virtual reality stimulation, EEG acquisition, combined with neural network algorithm, patient diagnosis and treatment. Experiments show that virtual reality‐based desensitization therapy has a better diagnosis and treatment effect on patients' fear.
Analysis and improvement of the color anomaly in a‐Si TFT channel with new 4‐mask process
Authors: Cai Guangshuo , Sun Sheng , Zhang Shengdong
Published: July 2020

In new 4‐mask manufacturing process of the thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD), the copper in the channel would be damaged by plasma gas, which would cause a negative impact on the subsequent processes, and lead to abnormal channel color. This paper investigates the formation mechanism of the abnormal channel color. In the 1st dry etching, the photo resist (PR) reactes with Cl2, and produced some residual after the 2nd wet etching, which is hard to etch or wash. As a result, the content of SiOx on the surface where there is no residue is higher than the place where the residue exists in O2 plasma process, hence leading to the differences of the silicon etching rate and forming the line‐shape pits at the edge of the channel. Therefore, TFTs under optical microscope show abnormal channel color. Through removing Cl2 or skipping the plasma treatment before 2nd dry etching we could modify this issue.
Development of High‐yield Laser Lift‐off Process for Micro LED Display
Authors: Xia Jiye , Dong Xiaobiao , Yao Zhibo , Sheng Cuicui , Li Zhisheng , Cao Xuan , Wang Chenggong , Duan Lian
Published: July 2020

This paper reports our developments for Micro LED laser lift‐off which is a very important step in Micro LED mass transfer process. By selecting the temporary bonding material, optimizing laser power intensity and other process parameters, the yield of Micro LED laser lift‐off can reach 99.87% for more than 1500 LEDs. This technical developments is of great potential for promoting high‐yield mass transfer technology to realize commercial Micro‐LED displays.
Non‐electrical Multiple Image Switching Glass Window Display Which Enables to Make Invisible Using Polarized Light Control Technology
Authors: Sakamoto Kunio , Iwasaki Wataru , Ishikawa Mao
Published: July 2020

Window decals are stickers that help catch the eyes of customers. Since window decals put on glass windows, they have no changeable image. The authors were just wondering the following; Could we not change and animate the graphic image on the window? It is common knowledge that the drawing on the glass is always same. So let us make the window decals change and animate. This paper shows the image switching glass window display using polarized light control technology in order to avoid this defect. In this paper, the authors describe the technology of an image vanishing, an image switching between the two modes, and multiple image switching.
Effect of 2D and 3D Display on Visual Discomfort
Authors: Lin Yidong , Tu Yan , Wang Lili , Jia Lixiu , Zhang Yin
Published: July 2020

The effect of 2D and 3D display on visual discomfort was investigated. The results showed that after 70 minutes of uninterrupted watching, both displays caused severe visual discomfort. However, 3D display induced more subjective and ophthalmological discomfort than 2D display.
Analysis of Black Mura Caused by Photo Ioff
Authors: Li Zongxiang , Liu Yao , Yun Xiangnan , Wang Baoqiang , Li Liangliang , Feng Yuchun , Liu Zheng , Chen Xi , Wu Hongjiang
Published: July 2020

The researched Black Mura partly occurred in TFT‐LCD which is caused by the bigger photo Ioff in this area. Direct evidence is given through a theoretical calculation method, by which brightness difference between Black Mura area and normal area can be got, it is corresponding by contrast with the actual data and influenced by storage capacitance and ΔIoff through a fitting formula. Besides, the difference between Active First and Pre‐ashing is given which is the root cause in this case.
Compound Semiconductor Micro‐LED Array and Its Novel Applications in Phototherapy
Authors: Zhanghu Mengyuan , Wang Yan , Liu Zhaojun
Published: July 2020

With the advent of Micro‐LED technology, Micro‐LED light source has been widely used in medical technology due to its unique superior performance. In the field of phototherapy, Micro‐LED has the characteristics of wide spectral range, good monochromaticity, low power consumption and high brightness, which has become the best choice for phototherapy technology. In this paper, we analyze the advantage of Micro‐LED in phototherapy, and optimized phototherapy eye mask, mainly for treating periocular fat granules and acne. Besides, we also introduce the application of Micro‐LED array in the treatment of neonatal jaundice.
Temperature‐dependent Forward Voltage of AlGaInP‐based Red Micro‐LEDs
Authors: Wang Yan , Lu Bo , Liu Chuanbiao , Kuo Hao-Chung , Hyun Byung-Ryool , Liu Zhaojun
Published: July 2020

Temperature‐dependent electrical characteristics and voltages (dVf/dT) of AlGaInP Micro‐LEDs were investigated. The J‐V curves of the Micro‐LEDs indicate the existence of a big resistance. The measured (dVf/dT) was −3 mV/K, which is higher than the expected value in Shockley model. This was attributed to a resistance, leading to higher temperature sensitivity.
A Hierarchical Motion Planning for Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Li Qinghua , Mu Yaqi , You Yue , Zhang Zhao , Feng Chao
Published: July 2020

This paper focuses on motion planning for mobile manipulators that can be used to plan both the base and the manipulator. An Optimized Hierarchical Mobile Manipulator Planner (OHMP) is proposed, which consists of two phases: two‐dimensional mobile base path planning and three‐dimensional manipulator trajectory planning. In the two‐dimensional mobile base path planning phase, a hybrid sampling strategy combining bridge test and uniform sampling is adopted to optimize Probabilistic Roadmap‐based basic planning and improve the efficiency of overall planning. In the three‐dimensional manipulator trajectory planning phase, if the current manipulator configuration is in a collision state, then a secure configuration is searched, and the trajectory between them is planned. Given start and goal configurations, the OHMP can efficiently produce a collision‐free path in complex environments. The estimates are backed up by the experiment result. It proves the validity and rationality of the planner, and it is effective for motion planning in complex static environments. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Performance of preferential flow models in predicting infiltration through a remolded soil with artificial macropores
Authors: Guertault Lucie , Fox Garey. A.
Published: July 2020

Preferential flow in soils contributes to water and contaminant leaching to groundwater and subsurface drains. At practical scales, preferential flow is often neglected due to the lack of consensus or guidance on how to simulate this process. Dual‐permeability (DP) approaches are a standard, but their applicability in practice is limited by the large number of parameters involved. The source‐responsive (SR) model simulates preferential flow as flow films along the walls of macropores that interact with the soil matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the SR model and a DP model with calibration limited to macropore parameters to simulate hydrologic variables of interest for practical applications. Infiltration experiments were conducted in a 150‐cm‐long by 50‐cm‐wide by 40‐cm‐deep soil column with vertical artificial macropores, with preferential flow being the most prevalent flow process. Two macropore configurations and various rainfall rates were tested. The DP model provided relatively accurate predictions of the bottom drainage rates, but inaccurate soil parameter estimates resulted in poor predictions of matrix flow. Critical limitations in the SR model formulation were highlighted, and the model was revised. The refined SR model provided accurate predictions of bottom drainage rates and water contents under steady‐state rainfall. The DP model with a reduced calibration appeared valid to estimate subsurface fluxes with negligible matrix flow. The SR model applicability is limited to steady‐state scenarios with negligible matrix flow. Critical developments are needed for the SR model to be applicable in practice.
Topology and Wilson lines: global aspects of the double copy
Authors: Alfonsi Luigi , White Chris D. , Wikeley Sam
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The Kerr-Schild double copy relates exact solutions of gauge and gravity theories. In all previous examples, the gravity solution is associated with an abelian-like gauge theory object, which linearises the Yang-Mills equations. This appears to be at odds with the double copy for scattering amplitudes, in which the non-abelian nature of the gauge theory plays a crucial role. Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether or not global properties of classical fields — such as non-trivial topology — can be matched between gauge and gravity theories. In this paper, we clarify these issues by explicitly demonstrating how magnetic monopoles associated with arbitrary gauge groups can be double copied to the same solution (the pure NUT metric) in gravity. We further describe how to match up topological information on both sides of the double copy correspondence, independently of the nature of the gauge group. This information is neatly expressed in terms of Wilson line operators, and we argue through specific examples that they provide a useful bridge between the classical double copy and the BCJ double copy for scattering amplitudes.
A new numerical scheme for discrete constrained total variation flows and its convergence
Authors: Giga Yoshikazu , Sakakibara Koya , Taguchi Kazutoshi , Uesaka Masaaki
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose a new numerical scheme for a spatially discrete model of total variation flows whose values are constrained to a Riemannian manifold. The difficulty of this problem is that the underlying function space is not convex; hence it is hard to calculate a minimizer of the functional with the manifold constraint even if it exists. We overcome this difficulty by “localization technique” using the exponential map and prove a finite-time error estimate. Finally, we show a few numerical results for the target manifolds$$S^2$$S2andSO(3).
Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Lung Cancer Lobectomy—Analysis of Risk Factors and Prognosis
Authors: Ishibashi Hironori , Wakejima Ryo , Asakawa Ayaka , Baba Shunichi , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Seto Katsutoshi , Kobayashi Masashi , Okubo Kenichi
Published: July 2020

Background

The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after pulmonary lobectomy ranges from 6.4 to 12.6%. This study aimed to analyze the postoperative risk factors and prognosis for POAF in lobectomy for lung cancer.

Methods

Data were collected from patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy from April 2010 to March 2019. We analyzed risk factors for POAF among perioperative factors and compared postoperative complications or overall survival between POAF and non‐POAF groups. We classified POAF as either the temporary or non‐temporary type and compared perioperative factors, postoperative complications, and overall survival.

Results

POAF was identified in 49 (5.2%) of the 947 lobectomies. The POAF group included more males, patients with poor performance status (PS), history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and intraoperative blood transfusions. Poor PS, COPD, previous paroxysmal AF, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent risk factors for POAF in multivariate analysis. The POAF group had a poorer prognosis than the non‐POAF group (p = 0.0045). POAF was divided into 29 temporary and 20 non‐temporary types. The onset date of non‐temporary‐type POAF was significantly later than that of the transient type (P < 0.01), and diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in non‐temporary‐type POAF. Non‐temporary‐type POAF had a significantly poorer prognosis in terms of overall survival (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Poor PS, COPD, history of PAF, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent risk factors for POAF. Non‐temporary‐type POAF occurred significantly later than transient type and caused poorer prognosis after lobectomy for lung cancer.
Global Gender Differences in Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Random‐Effects Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Luedi Markus M. , Schober Patrick , Stauffer Verena K. , Diekmann Maja , Doll Dietrich
Published: July 2020

Background

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is traditionally associated with young male patients. While PSD is rare in Asia and Africa, lifestyles are changing considerably throughout the so‐called developed world. We question that PSD is an overwhelmingly male disease and that the proportion of women suffering from PSD is worldwide evenly distributed in a homogenous matter.

Methods

We analysed the world literature published between 1833 and 2018, expanding on the database created by Stauffer et al. Following correction for gender bias with elimination of men‐only and women‐only studies, data were processed using random‐effects meta‐analysis in the technique of DerSimonian and Laird.

Results

The share of female pilonidal sinus disease patients analysed from all studies available in the world literature is 21%. There are marked regional differences including South America (39%), North America as well as Australia/New Zealand (29%) and Asia (7%), which are highly significant. These results stand fast even if analysis without gender bias corrections was applied.

Conclusion

The share of female patients suffering from PSD is considerable. It is time to think of PSD as a disease of both men and women. Previously unknown, there are significant regional differences worldwide; the reason(s) for the regional differences is still unclear.
Are civil liberties contagious? Analysis of determinants of de facto civil rights protection in post-socialist countries
Authors: Lewczuk Anna
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we contribute to the debate on determinants of civil liberties protection by extending the standard approach using spatial components. Our analysis highlights three categories of civil liberties–private civil liberties, political civil liberties and physical integrity rights. The focus of the paper is the region of post-socialist countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Our results imply the existence of institutional diffusion of de facto civil liberties protection between countries. What is more, we identify clusters of civil rights protection relevant for post-socialist states. The conclusions are based on an empirical study (a spatial panel Durbin GMM model and Local Moran I statistic).
Rare cancers of unknown etiology: lessons learned from a European multi-center case–control study
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth , Kaerlev Linda , Olsen Jørn , Sabroe Svend , Afonso Noemia , Ahrens Wolfgang , Eriksson Mikael , Merletti Franco , Morales-Suarez-Varelas Maria , Stengrevics Aivars , Guénel Pascal
Published: July 2020

Rare cancers together constitute one fourth of cancers. As some rare cancers are caused by occupational exposures, a systematic search for further associations might contribute to future prevention. We undertook a European, multi-center case–control study of occupational risks for cancers of small intestine, bone sarcoma, uveal melanoma, mycosis fungoides, thymus, male biliary tract and breast. Incident cases aged 35–69 years and sex-and age-matched population/colon cancer controls were interviewed, including a complete list of jobs. Associations between occupational exposure and cancer were assessed with unconditional logistic regression controlled for sex, age, country, and known confounders, and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Interviewed were 1053 cases, 2062 population, and 1084 colon cancer controls. Male biliary tract cancer was associated with exposure to oils with polychlorinated biphenyls; OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–5.9); male breast cancer with exposure to trichloroethylene; OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.1–3.3); bone sarcoma with job as a carpenter/joiner; OR 4.3 (95% CI 1.7–10.5); and uveal melanoma with job as a welder/sheet metal worker; OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.08–3.52); and cook; OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.3). A confirmatory study of printers enhanced suspicion of 1,2-dichloropropane as a risk for biliary tract cancer. Results contributed to evidence for classification of welding and 1,2-dichloropronane as human carcinogens. However, despite efforts across nine countries, for some cancer sites only about 100 cases were interviewed. The Rare Cancer Study illustrated both the strengths and limitations of explorative studies for identification of etiological leads.
Yield increases due to fungicide control of leaf blotch diseases in wheat and barley as a basis for IPM decision-making in the Nordic-Baltic region
Authors: Jalli Marja , Kaseva Janne , Andersson Björn , Ficke Andrea , Nistrup-Jørgensen Lise , Ronis Antanas , Kaukoranta Timo , Ørum Jens-Erik , Djurle Annika
Published: July 2020

Fungal plant diseases driven by weather factors are common in European wheat and barley crops. Among these, septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici), tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), and stagonospora nodorum blotch (Parastagonospora nodorum) are common in the Nordic-Baltic region at variable incidence and severity both in spring and winter wheat fields. In spring barley, net blotch (Pyrenophora teres), scald (Rhynchosporium graminicola, syn. Rhynchosporium commune) and ramularia leaf spot (Ramularia collo-cygni) are common yield limiting foliar diseases. We analysed data from 449 field trials from 2007 to 2017 in wheat and barley crops in the Nordic-Baltic region and explored the differences in severity of leaf blotch diseases between countries and years, and the impact of the diseases on yield. In the experiments, septoria tritici blotch dominated in winter wheat in Denmark and southern Sweden; while in Lithuania, both septoria tritici blotch and tan spot were common. In spring wheat, stagonospora nodorum blotch dominated in Norway and tan spot in Finland. Net blotch and ramularia leaf blotch were the most severe barley diseases over large areas, while scald occurred more locally and had less yield impact in all countries. Leaf blotch diseases, with severity >50% at DC 73–77, caused an average yield loss of 1072 kg/ha in winter wheat and 1114 kg/ha in spring barley across all countries over 5 years. These data verify a large regional and yearly variation in disease severity, distribution and impact on yield, emphasizing the need to adapt fungicide applications to the actual need based on locally adapted risk assessment systems.
Parameter-Dependent Stochastic Optimal Control in Finite Discrete Time
Authors: Jamneshan Asgar , Kupper Michael , Zapata-García José Miguel
Published: July 2020

We prove a general existence result in stochastic optimal control in discrete time, where controls, taking values in conditional metric spaces, depend on the current information and past decisions. The general form of the problem lies beyond the scope of standard techniques in stochastic control theory, the main novelty is a formalization in conditional metric space and the use of conditional analysis. We illustrate the existence result by several examples such as wealth-dependent utility maximization under risk constraints and utility maximization with a conditional dimension. We also provide a discussion as to how our methods compare to techniques based on random sets.
Rectangular Summation of Multiple Fourier Series and Multi-parametric Capacity
Authors: Perfekt Karl-Mikael
Published: July 2020

We consider the class of multiple Fourier series associated with functions in the Dirichlet space of the polydisc. We prove that every such series is summable with respect to unrestricted rectangular partial sums, everywhere except for a set of zero multi-parametric logarithmic capacity. Conversely, given a compact set in the torus of zero capacity, we construct a Fourier series in the class which diverges on this set, in the sense of Pringsheim. We also prove that the multi-parametric logarithmic capacity characterizes the exceptional sets for the radial variation and radial limits of Dirichlet space functions. As a by-product of the methods of proof, the results also hold in the vector-valued setting.
Changes of Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 Response to Negative Symptom Improvements in Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Chao Xue-lin , Jiang Shu-zhen , Xiong Jian-wen , Zhan Jin-qiong , Wei Bo , Chen Chun-nuan , Yang Yuan-jian
Published: July 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that a disruption of early brain development, in which insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) has a crucial role, may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Our previous study has shown that decreased serum IGF-2 was correlated with the severity of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia. Here we conducted a prospective observation trial to investigate the effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum IGF-2 level and its relationship with clinical improvements in schizophrenia patients. Thirty-one schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation and 30 healthy individuals were recruited in this study. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and serum IGF-2 levels were determined using ELISA. We found that schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation had lower serum IGF-2 levels than control individuals at baseline (P<0.05). After 2 months of atypical antipsychotic treatment, a significant improvement in each PANSS subscore and total score was observed in patients (all P<0.01), and the serum IGF-2 levels of patients were significantly increased compared with those at baseline (203.13±64.62 vs. 426.99±124.26 ng/mL; t =−5.044, P<0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the changes of serum IGF-2 levels in patients were significantly correlated with the improvements of negative symptoms (r=−0.522, P=0.006). Collectively, our findings demonstrated changes of serum IGF-2 response to improvements of negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, suggesting that serum IGF-2 might be a treatment biomarker for schizophrenia.
Erratum to: Kinetic Characterization of Tyrosinase-catalyzed Oxidation of Four Polyphenols
Authors: Liu Wan-yu , Zou Cong-ming , Hu Jian-hua , Xu Zi-jun , Si Lu-qin , Liu Jun-jun , Huang Jian-geng
Published: July 2020

The article “Kinetic Characterization of Tyrosinase-catalyzed Oxidation of Four Polyphenols”, written by Wan-yu LIU, Congming ZOU, Jian-hua HU, Zi-jun XU, Lu-qin SI, Jun-jun LIU, Jian-geng HUANG, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on May 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice, the copyright of the article is changed to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

The original article has been corrected.