bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflation method based on confidence intervals for data assimilation in soil hydrology using the ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Jamal Alaa , Linker Raphael
Published: April 2020

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a widely used data assimilation method in soil hydrology. However, underestimation of the modeling errors and of the sampling errors may cause systematic reduction of state variances and rejection of the observations. Inflation methods are used to alleviate this phenomenon. Here, we suggest a novel inflation method based on confidence intervals constructed using the collected ensemble of the measurements. The proposed method is illustrated via two synthetic examples of a three‐layer soil with (i) precipitation and evaporation boundary condition and (ii) irrigation boundary condition. We present a comparison of two existing inflation methods and discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed method. Basically, the suggested method behavior is superior to the behavior of the existing methods.
The Activation Strain Model in the Light of Real Space Energy Partitions
Authors: Casals‐Sainz José Luis , Francisco Evelio , Martín Pendás Ángel
Published: April 2020

The distortion/interaction or activation strain model (ASM) of chemical reactivity is examined in real space through the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) approach. Attention is paid to the role that the geometrically constrained ASM structures of the fragments play in the chemical interpretation of the driving forces that lead to a given reaction channel. These fictitious intermediate states are necessary in the ASM, but IQA may or may not use them at will. Similarities and differences are highlighted by studying theendo/exopreference rules of simple [4+2] Diels–Alder cycloadditions. Although overall the agreement is reasonable, we warn about a blind use of the plain ASM if no further energy decomposition analyses of its interaction energy are done.
History of WOFAPS (1963–2019)
Authors: Boix-Ochoa Jose , Sigalet David
Published: April 2020

The formation of the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS) was an important unifying force in the emergence of pediatric surgery as a distinct specialty. Beginning with the formation of several national societies in the early ‘60s, an early, multinational effort was created. This was in large part fostered by the International Pediatric Association (IPA), which lent logistical support from the medical pediatric community to the pediatric surgeons. In 2001, the mission of the Federation was formalized to focus on the development and education of surgeons serving children, in all parts of the world. This was articulated in the famous Kyoto Declaration of Pediatric Surgery: “Every infant and child who suffers from an illness or disease has the right to be treated in an environment devoted to their care by a pediatric medical or surgical specialist”. This vision was unique at the time and foreshadowed the major increase in advocacy activity which has emerged in recent years. While the mission has evolved with time, the present organization continues to hold true to the guiding principles of the original founders and seeks to improve the quality of “Surgical Care for the child, no matter where they live”. Education and collaboration across borders underpins the organization’s endeavors.
Teaching the unlearnable: a training study of complexyes/noquestions
Authors: AMBRIDGE BEN , ROWLAND CAROLINE F. , GUMMERY ALISON
Published: April 2020

A central question in language acquisition is how children master sentence types that they have seldom, if ever, heard. Here we report the findings of a pre-registered, randomised, single-blind intervention study designed to test the prediction that, for one such sentence type, complex questions (e.g.,Is the crocodile who’s hot eating?), children could combine schemas learned, on the basis of the input, for complex noun phrases (the [THING] who’s [PROPERTY]) and simple questions (Is [THING] [ACTION]ing?) to yield a complex-question schema (Is [the [THING] who’s [PROPERTY]] ACTIONing?). Children aged 4;2 to 6;8 (M= 5;6,SD= 7.7 months) were trained on simple questions (e.g.,Is the bird cleaning?) and either (Experimental group,N= 61) complex noun phrases (e.g.,the bird who’s sad) or (Control group,N= 61) matched simple noun phrases (e.g.,the sad bird). In general, the two groups did not differ on their ability to produce novel complex questions at test. However, the Experimental group did show (a) some evidence of generalising a particular complex NP schema (the [THING] who’s [PROPERTY]as opposed tothe [THING] that’s [PROPERTY]) from training to test, (b) a lower rate of auxiliary-doubling errors (e.g.,*Is the crocodile who’s hot is eating?), and (c) a greater ability to produce complex questions on the first test trial. We end by suggesting some different methods – specifically artificial language learning and syntactic priming – that could potentially be used to better test the present account.
Geochemical, Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic constraints on the Late Carboniferous back-arc basin basalts from the Chengjisihanshan Formation in West Junggar, NW China
Authors: Zhi Qian , Li Yongjun , Duan Fenghao , Tong Lili , Chen Jun , Gao Junbao , Chen Rongguang
Published: April 2020

West Junggar in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a critical area for the study of the Junggar oceanic basin and may also reveal tectonic evolutionary events before the final closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. The sedimentary formations and paragenetic associations of the Upper Carboniferous Chengjisihanshan Formation in southern West Junggar jointly reveal a back-arc basin setting with zircon U–Pb ages of 313–310 Ma for the basaltic rocks. Geochemically, the basaltic rocks are tholeiitic with low SiO2 (47.76–52.06 wt %) and K2O (0.05–0.74 wt %) but high MgO (6.55–7.68 wt %) contents and Mg no. (52.9–58.9) values. They display slightly flat rare earth element patterns with weak positive Eu anomalies, and show enrichments in large ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements with negative Nb and Ta anomalies, exhibiting both N-MORB-like and arc-like signatures, similar to the back-arc basin basalt from the Mariana Trough. The high positive zircon εHf(t) and bulk εNd(t) values as well as high initial Pb isotopes, together with relatively high Sm/Yb and slightly low Th/Ta ratios imply a depleted spinel lherzolitic mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The field and geochemical data jointly suggest that the volcanic rocks within the Chengjisihanshan Formation were formed in an intra-oceanic back-arc basin above the northwestward subduction of the Junggar oceanic lithosphere in southern West Junggar. The confirmation of the Late Carboniferous back-arc basin basalts, together with other geological observations, indicate that an arc-basin evolutionary system still existed in southern West Junggar at c. 310 Ma, and the Junggar Ocean closed after Late Carboniferous time.
Word learning from context in school-age children: relations with language ability and executive function
Authors: HILL Margaret S. , WAGOVICH Stacy A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Although school-age children learn most new word meanings from surrounding context, the joint roles of language ability and executive function (EF) in the word learning process remain unclear. This study examined children's acquisition of word meanings from context in relation to oral language ability and three EF skills (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility). Method: Typically developing school-age children completed measures of language and EF, then read and listened to short stories containing unfamiliar target words. A multiple-choice pretest–posttest measure assessed children's target word knowledge gains. Results: Regression analyses showed that language and cognitive flexibility were both related to word knowledge gains; each skill assumed greater importance among children with relative weakness in the other skill. Conclusion: Language ability and cognitive flexibility may each play a direct role in contextual word learning among school-age children, with children naturally relying on one skill if the other is weaker.
Business Travel
Authors: Müller Teresa , Hommelhoff Sabine , Westman Mina , Niessen Cornelia
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Control over business trips has been considered an important resource for frequent business travelers. Building on past research and conservation of resources theory, this two-wave study among 210 frequent business travelers investigated whether work meaning moderates the relationship between two kinds of control, job control and trip-scheduling control, and two important work outcomes, work satisfaction and perceived task performance. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that when work meaning was lower, trip-scheduling control was negatively related to work satisfaction and perceived task performance 6 months later. However, there were no significant interactions between job control and work meaning on the two outcomes. Findings support the reasoning that trip-scheduling control is of specific importance in the context of business travel and that this particular kind of control is not per se positive but contingent on work meaning and thus the larger context.
Investigation on the simultaneous removal of COS, CS2and O2from coke oven gas by hydrogenation on a Pd/Al2O3catalyst
Authors: Kamp Eva , Thielert Holger , von Morstein Olaf , Kureti Sven , Schreiter Norman , Repke Jens-Uwe
Published: April 2020

Simultaneous hydrogenation of organosulfur compounds and O2by Pd/Al2O3catalyst was studied in a fixed bed reactor and by DRIFTS.
Efficient Cu-catalyzed intramolecular O-arylation for synthesis of benzoxazoles in water
Authors: Tang Yanling , Li Minxin , Gao Hui , Rao Gaoxiong , Mao Zewei
Published: April 2020

An efficient method was developed for synthesis of benzoxazoles by Cu-catalyzed intramolecular O-arylation of o-halobenzanilides in water.
Featured properties of Li+-based battery anode: Li4Ti5O12
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dieu Hien , Pham Hai Duong , Lin Shih-Yang , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: April 2020

A theoretical framework based on first-principles calculations is developed for the essential properties of the 3D ternary compound Li4Ti5O12, a Li+-based battery anode.
Role of alkan-1-ol solvents in the synthesis of yellow luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs): van der Waals force-caused aggregation and agglomeration
Authors: Hagiwara Kenta , Uchida Hiroshi , Suzuki Yumiko , Hayashita Takashi , Torigoe Kanjiro , Kida Tetsuya , Horikoshi Satoshi
Published: April 2020

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs; luminescent carbon nanoparticles, size < 10 nm) have attracted much attention with respect to their eco-friendliness and multi-functionality.
Highly-dispersed ruthenium precursors via a self-assembly-assisted synthesis of uniform ruthenium nanoparticles for superior hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Jiang Guangmei , Tan Yuwei , Luo Shuang , Xu Mengmeng , Jia Yiming , Lu Peng , He Youzhou
Published: April 2020

Highly dispersed ruthenium precursors via a supramolecular self-assembly assisted synthesis of uniform ruthenium nanoparticles with excellent HER performance.
Two-step sequential blade-coating of high quality perovskite layers for efficient solar cells and modules
Authors: Zhang Junwen , Bu Tongle , Li Jing , Li Hengyi , Mo Yanping , Wu Zhengli , Liu Yifan , Zhang Xiao-Li , Cheng Yi-Bing , Huang Fuzhi
Published: April 2020

A two-step sequential blade-coating process in air to fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and modules.
Improving areal capacity of flexible Li–CO2 batteries by constructing a freestanding cathode with monodispersed MnO nanoparticles in N-doped mesoporous carbon nanofibers
Authors: Li Siwu , Liu Yuan , Gao Xing , Wang Jiaming , Zhou Junwen , Wang Lu , Wang Bo
Published: April 2020

An ultrahigh-areal-capacity Li–CO2 cathode was fabricated with a revelation of the relationship between the electrode structure and the cell's energy density.
Engineering Mo/Mo2C/MoC hetero-interfaces for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhu Xiaorong , Zhang Qinghua , Tang Tang , Zhang Yun , Gu Lin , Li Yafei , Bao Jianchun , Dai Zhihui , Hu Jin-Song
Published: April 2020

A facile strategy is developed to fabricate Mo-based hetero-interfaces for boosting the electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3.
Silica nanoparticle coated perfluorooctyl bromide for ultrasensitive MRI
Authors: Yuan Yaping , Guo Qianni , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Jiang Weiping , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2020

MRI with hyperpolarized 129Xe can achieve low-concentration detection.
Amphiphilic BODIPY dye aggregates in polymeric micelles for wavelength-dependent photo-induced cancer therapy
Authors: Yan Ziling , Wang Mengya , Shi Mengke , He Yang , Zhang Yi , Qiu Shihong , Yang Hong , Chen Huabing , He Hui , Guo Zhengqing
Published: April 2020

We have reported a facile strategy to tune the photoconversion of organic dye aggregates for achieving potent photo-induced cancer therapy.
High-performance thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes with a wide gap phosphorescent complex as a sensitizer
Authors: Cui Yingjie , Zhou Liang , Jiang Yunlong , Cui Xi , Liu Weiqiang , Zhu Qi , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2020

High-performance organic light-emitting diodes were developed using an alternative and promising method that utilized a wide gap phosphorescent complex to sensitize a thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter.
Dynamic Prediction of the Thermal Nonlinear Process Based on Deep Hybrid Neural Network
Authors: Wang Peng , Si Fengqi
Published: April 2020

Nonlinear system prediction plays an important role in the practical thermal process, and deep learning algorithm is now popular in nonlinear dynamic system modeling because of its powerful learning ability. In this paper, the dynamic artificial neural networks (DANNs), which can be divided into two different types with external dynamic characteristics and internal dynamic characteristics, are analyzed. The mathematical formulations of feedforward deep neural network (DNN), traditional recurrent neural network (RNN) and Long-Short Term Memory network (LSTM) models are given. Furthermore, the structure of deep Hybrid Neural Network (DHNN) is described. Finally, the applicability of the above models in the thermal nonlinear process with different structural features is discussed. Simulation experiments reveal that DANNs with internal dynamic characteristics more suitable for solving thermal nonlinear system modeling problems with unknown order, and DHNN based on LSTM model has performed much better in approximating the dynamics of the thermal process with state parameters.
Study on the Difference of Photochemical Efficiency of Sunlight Photocatalyst in Degradations Dye Aqueous RhB Solution in Different Seasons
Authors: Jheng Hong Kai , Tseng Po Jen , Zeng Chang Zhang , Kuo Chao Yin
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to modify TiO2 with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and potassium hydrogen iodate (KH(IO3)2) to research the effect of RhB degradation in natural sunlight within different seasons. The catalyst was made by fixing the mole% of I/Bi2O3/TiO2 to 2: 1: 1, 10 mg/L of RhB was the target pollutant, and compare the difference of I/Bi2O3/TiO2 modified catalysts in natural sunlight within different seasons. According to the XRD crystal phase identification, it can be seen that the characteristic peaks of the modified photocatalysts are consistent with the structures of anatase and rutile, had not be offset. At the same time, there aren’t other impurity crystal phases were found, and the photocatalysts is still retains the basic type, which means we successfully prepared the I/Bi2O3/TiO2 composite photocatalysts. The result of UV-visible analysis showed that the composite photocatalysts had the phenomenon of red-shift, and there was a second absorption wavelength in the range of visible light. That is, the energy gap will be reduced and the utilization under visible light will be increased by the addition of iodine and bismuth oxide. The pure TiO2 has no the phenomenon above. In this study, the photodegradation efficiency in 60 minutes of photocatalysts experiments under the actual solar light at summer and winter were 58.9% and 44.4% respectively. The photocatalysts still retained a good removal efficiency after five repeat photocatalytic. In other words, the photocatalyst has the characteristics of excellent durability.
Contact problem for foundations with multilayer nonuniform coatings of variable thickness
Authors: Kazakov Kirill E. , Kurdina Svetlana P
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to study of the contact problem for a punch with a complex shape and a base with a coating consisting of nonuniform layers of variable thickness. Such a foundations are often found in practice. Coating layers in them can play a role, for example, heat or electric insulators. Such layers can be used as protection against mechanical stress on the main structure. Mathematical model of the problem is constructed. It is a mixed integral equation containing functions that describe the properties and thicknesses of the layers, as well as the shapes of the contacting bodies, and additional integral conditions. Analytical solution of the problem is presented for one of the formulation options. In the resulting solution, the functions associated with the properties and forms of bodies are distinguished by separate terms. This allows one to perform high-quality calculations and analysis of the behavior of the punch on the layer, even if these functions are rapidly changing.
A Rare Case of Infected Cervicodorsal Intramedullary Epidermoid Cyst
Authors: Chawla Pawan , Sankhe Milind
Published: April 2020

Introduction  Intramedullary spinal epidermoid cysts have a reported incidence of less than 1% of intramedullary spinal cord tumors; and out of these, intramedullary epidermoid lesions within the cervical spinal cord are even rarer. Here, we present the case of an adult patient with an infected intramedullary epidermoid cyst, identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the C7–D1 level that was successfully excised without any worsening of neurological status.

Case Presentation A 23-year-old female patient presented with history of moderate degree intermittent fever followed by gradually progressive right-sided weakness. She had paresthesia below C5 dermatome on the right side. On close inspection of  the back, a tiny sinus opening was noted at the D2 level near the midline. MRI of the spine showed an intramedullary lesion at the C6–D1 level with the tract connecting to the subcutaneous lesion. Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring was done during the surgery with near total excision of the lesion.

Conclusion Even though the location is rare, a differential diagnosis of the epidermoid should always be considered. A tiny dermal sinus opening helped us in proper diagnosis, along with surgical excision, by providing us a direct path to the intramedullary lesion. An early diagnosis and treatment with neurophysiological monitoring helped us in the maximum safe resection of the lesion without developing any new deficit.
Challenges and Successes of an Audio-Technician Training Program in Guatemala
Authors: Miller Christi , Harney Martha , Buxton Claire , Mallahan Michael
Published: April 2020

Hearing healthcare outreach in developing countries is ill defined and inundated with sustainability challenges. One method to facilitate sustainable efforts is by training local personnel on certain aspects of hearing healthcare. The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the challenges and successes of an audio-technician training program conducted in various regions throughout Guatemala. A collaboration was created between Healing the Children, Centro de Audicion, the University of Washington, and Gallaudet University to create a learning environment for Guatemalan audio-technicians and audiology graduate students. Administration of the audio-technician training component of this program began in 2008 and continues today. Challenges and successes were identified around five themes: (1) audio-technician recruitment and skills upon entering training program; (2) practical and logistical components of clinical training; (3) collaboration and resources for ongoing care; (4) funding for travel, time, and accommodation for personnel involved in training sessions; and (5) cultural differences surrounding our approach to hearing healthcare and training. Approaches to overcome the barriers identified and future directions are discussed.
Providing the Best Audiological Care and Creating Sustainability in Peru
Authors: Holst Jennifer E. , Bargen Gabriel A. , Holmes Corrie E.
Published: April 2020

International humanitarian programs are one way for individuals within low-income countries to access hearing health care. Faculty and students from the Idaho State University (ISU) Audiology Program have traveled to several locations within less developed countries over the past 15 years. Most recently, the ISU Audiology Program has partnered with Idaho Condor Humanitarian to provide hearing health care services to Peruvian indigenous people. The humanitarian expedition provides medical, dental, and audiology services to rural villages surrounding Cusco, Peru. Each year the ISU Audiology team gathers data on the hearing health care needs of the Peruvian people and fits donated hearing aids. The ISU Audiology team navigates a variety of barriers associated with limited resources to provide quality hearing health care focused on best practice guidelines for the people of Peru. This article highlights the specific needs of the people served, which the team identified and prioritized, as well as initiated a plan for continuing to develop follow-up care and sustainability.
Ethics and Etiquette in Humanitarian Engagement—101
Authors: Clark Jackie L.
Published: April 2020

As the travel industry continues to grow, so does the creation and proliferation of voluntourism opportunities offered to individuals who want to impact the lives of populations due to adversities or misfortunes of war, weather, or poverty. A more popular form of tourism for individuals to volunteer professional or personal expertise in a chartable manner is often termed “voluntourism.” Unquestionably, there is a lure to volunteer for a short-term experience in exotic lands with the hopes of improving living conditions. This article aims to identify how an individual can move from being a well-meaning voluntourist to an engaged and dedicated humanitarian by following professional ethical principles and etiquette behavior.
Effect of Phototherapy on Stroke Volume in Newborn Infants with Jaundice
Authors: Firouzi Majid , Sherkatolabbasieh Hamidreza , Nezami Alireza , Shafizadeh Shiva
Published: April 2020

One of the rare complications associated with phototherapy include redistribution of blood flow that can alter cardiac output in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phototherapy on left ejection fraction in infants with jaundice. Twenty-nine infants admitted in Shahid Madani Children Hospital for receiving phototherapy were included in this study. Echocardiography was performed in the participants, immediately before and 24 hours after the treatment. Nineteen infants were reported to have decrease in the stroke volume following the treatment. The mean levels of stroke volume before and after phototherapy were 6.99 ± 2.17 and 6.55 ± 1.85 L/m2, respectively (p = 0.011). Phototherapy can reduce left ejection fraction in newborn infants with hyperbilirubinemia.
Factitious acidosis and severe hypoalbuminemia caused by unsuspected assay interference
Authors: Al Dhaybi Omar , Bakris George L
Published: April 2020

It is relatively common to have some discord between laboratory biomarkers and clinical status. The current practice of medicine relies on imaging and biochemical testing in order to guide decision-making. In the clinical setting, an unsuspected laboratory artifact can have harmful impacts on patients. These circumstances can invariably lead to misdiagnoses, unnecessary testing and inappropriate treatments. We present a case of very low serum bicarbonate (4 mmol/L) in concert with a very low albumin level (0.3 g/dL). It turned out that the lab measurements were erroneous and a lot of harmful interventions could have ensued when dealing with this peculiar case.
Effect of lead on proliferation, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts
Authors: Martini Claudia Noemi , Sosa Fernando Nicolás , Fuchs Julio , Vila María del Carmen
Published: April 2020

Lead (Pb) is an environmental and industrial contaminant that still represents a public health problem. In this paper, we investigated the effect of Pb on proliferation, lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells in exponentially growing 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, a cell line previously used to evaluate different environmental contaminants.

We found that Pb (10 μM or higher) was able to inhibit proliferation of exponentially growing cells after 24-h treatment, which was evaluated by the MTT assay and cell counting in Neubauer chamber, but cell survival was not affected according to the trypan blue exclusion assay. On the other hand, Pb was able to increase lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells, which are indicative of oxidative stress and genotoxic damage respectively. We also found that removal of Pb after 24-h treatment allowed cells to recover proliferation. Our results indicate that Pb was able to induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity in this cell line under standardized conditions, which supports the involvement of Pb in similar effects observed in human exposed to this heavy metal. In addition, Pb inhibits proliferation of exponentially growing fibroblasts but cells resume proliferation after removal of this metal, which suggests that it is important to move away Pb-exposed individuals from the source of contamination.
Is it Possible to Treat Insert Dislocation With a Fixed Insert Tibial Component After Primary Oxford Phase 3 Mobile Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Sever Gökhan B.
Published: April 2020

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients who underwent the revision surgery of tibial component replacement using fix-insert in the cases of Oxford phase 3 medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with insert dislocation after initial insert replacement.

Materials and Methods:

Nine patients who experienced insert dislocation after insert replacement and who underwent partial replacement revision (tibial component revision) were included in this study. Demographic data and complications of these patients were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were determined through Knee Society Score and Functional Knee Society Score.

Results:

Insert redislocation happened in 11 of 17 patients whose insert was already replaced after initial insert dislocation. Among 11 patients, 2 patients underwent primer and revision total knee replacement revision surgery due to gap inequality and medial collateral ligament deficiency. In the other 9 patients, partial tibal component revision was performed. The mean follow-up time for the patients was 44.4 (21 to 76) months. The mean Knee Society Score/Functional Knee Society Score scores were 80.1 (72 to 95)/78.6 (70 to 90) and 79.5 (72 to 90)/77.5 (68 to 90) at the final follow-up after partial revision and before the insert dislocation, respectively. There was no decline in clinical scores and no revision was required in the mid-term follow-up.

Conclusions:

In this study, we found that there was no worsening in the clinical scores of the patients in the mid-term and no revision was required following the treatment of redislocation through tibial component revision. It was concluded that partial revision treatment with a fixed insert tibial component in the case of insert redislocation does not increase morbidity and could be an ideal treatment option. However, this conclusion should be further supported by multicenter studies along with the high number of cases.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—retrospective case-control study.
Statistical methods for batch screening of input populations by stage and group in COVID-19 nucleic acid testing
Authors: Yuan Cheng Yuan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To screen for COVID-19 patients in immigration using minimal nucleic acid testing (NAT).

Methods

In the first phase, nasopharyngeal swab samples from the inbound population were numbered and grouped. The samples in the group were mixed together, and a NAT test was performed. When the test result is negative, it means that everyone in the group is not infected and the screening of the group is complete. When the test results were positive, the group moved on to the second stage. In the second stage, all samples in the positive group will be tested individually for NAT.

Results

The advantages and considerations of the method are discussed. Prevalence in the incoming population was a determinant of the sample size within the group. The lower the incidence, the larger the sample size within the group, the higher the savings in NAT and testing costs.

Conclusion

This method has significant efficiency and cost advantages in COVID-19 screening. It can also be used to screen other populations, such as community populations and people at high risk of infection, etc.
SARS-CoV-2 titers in wastewater are higher than expected from clinically confirmed cases
Authors: Wu FQ , Xiao A , Zhang JB , Gu XQ , Lee WL , Kauffman K , Hanage WP , Matus M , Ghaeli N , Endo N , Duvallet C , Moniz K , Erickson TB , Chai PR , Thompson J , Alm EJ
Published: April 2020

Wastewater surveillance may represent a complementary approach to measure the presence and even prevalence of infectious diseases when the capacity for clinical testing is limited. Moreover, aggregate, population-wide data can help inform modeling efforts. We tested wastewater collected at a major urban treatment facility in Massachusetts and found the presence of SARS-CoV-2 at high titers in the period from March 18 - 25 using RT-qPCR. We then confirmed the identity of the PCR product by direct DNA sequencing. Viral titers observed were significantly higher than expected based on clinically confirmed cases in Massachusetts as of March 25. The reason for the discrepancy is not yet clear, and until further experiments are complete, these data do not necessarily indicate that clinical estimates are incorrect. Our approach is scalable and may be useful in modeling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and future outbreaks.
Objective evaluation of the relationship between facial expression analysis by the facial action coding system (FACS) and CT/MRI analyses of the facial expression muscles
Authors: Okuda Itsuko , Yamakawa Yumika , Mitani Nobu , Ota Naoko , Kawabata Marie , Yoshioka Naoki
Published: April 2020

Background

There are few reports on the relationship between facial expression formation and mass of the muscle responsible for facial expression. We analyzed the facial expression using facial action coding system (FACS) and examined the muscle mass and characteristics of the facial expression muscles using multi‐detector row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, the relation between these was statistically evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy women in their 40s (43.4 ± 3.0 years, 40‐49) were enrolled. The expressive faces were analyzed by facial expression analysis software based on the FACS. The muscle mass and characteristics of the facial expression muscles were investigated using MDCT/MRI. The correlation between an integrated expression intensity value (IEIV) for FACS of the widest possible grin and muscle mass was analyzed. The mean values between the two categorized groups (G‐1 and G‐2) based on fat infiltration into the muscle were compared.

Results

A positive correlation is found between the IEIV and the muscle mass. The IEIV of G‐1 is significantly larger than the corresponding value of G‐2. Hence, the results indicated that the subjects with high IEIV and expressive face had thicker facial expression muscles and little fat infiltration into the muscles.

Conclusion

Our objective imaging diagnostic study using FACS, MDCT, and MRI corroborated the anti‐aging medical science about the facial expression muscles related to youthful facial appearance. The results of this research could contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the facial aging process and to the development of cosmetology.
A mathematical model for personnel task assignment problem and an application for banking sector
Authors: Çetin Kenan , Tuzkaya Gülfem , Vayvay Ozalp
Published: April 2020

Efficient planning and management of the workforce resources is one of the most essential requirements for the companies operating in the service sector. For banks, a large number of transactions coming to Central Operations Department from the branches or directly from the customers and their aim is to provide the best operational service with the highest efficiency with the limited workforce resources in the departments. In this study, a real assignment problem was discussed and the problem was considered as Generalized Assignment Problem. For the solution of the problem, related algorithms were listed and examined in the literature survey section. Then, a two-step method is proposed. First step prioritizes the task coming to the system by considering the customer types, service level agreement (SLA) times, cut-off times, task type.  In the second step, a multi-objective mathematical model was developed to assign task to employee groups. A preference based optimization method called Linear Physical Programming (LPP) is used to solve the model. Afterward, proposed model was tested on real banking data. For all the tests, GAMS was used as a solver. Results show that proposed model gave better results compared with current situation. With the proposed solution method, the workloads of the profile groups working above their capacity were transferred to other profile groups with idle capacity. Thus, the capacity utilization rates of the profile groups were more balanced and the minimum capacity utilization rate was calculated as 41%.
Fabrication Steps and Thermal Modeling of Three-Dimensional Asynchronous Field Programmable Gate Array (3D-AFPGA) With Through Silicon Via and Copper Pillar Bonding Approach
Authors: Choobineh Leila , Carrol Robert , Gutierrez Carlos , Geer Robert
Published: April 2020

This work will specifically detail the development of a processing and fabrication route for a three-dimensional asynchronous field-programmable gate array (3D-AFPGA) design based on an extension of pre-existing two-dimensional-field-programmable gate array (2D-FPGA) tile designs. The periodic nature of FPGAs permits the use of an alternative approach, whereby the design entails splitting the FPGA design along tile borders and inserting through silicon vias (TSVs) at regular spatial intervals. This serves to enable true 3D performance (i.e., full 3D signal routing) while leaving most of the 2D circuit layouts intact. 3D signal buffers are inserted to handle communication between vertical and adjacent neighbors. For this approach, the density of vertical interconnections was shown to be determined by the size of the bond pads used for tier–tier communications and bonding. As a consequence, reducing bond pad dimensions from 25 μm to 15 μm, or 10 μm, bond pads are preferred to increase the connectivity between layers. A 3D-AFPGA mockup test structure was then proposed for completing development and exercising the 3D integration process flows. This mockup test structure consists of a three-tier demonstration vehicle consisting of a chip-to-wafer and a subsequent chip-to-chip bond. Besides, an alternate copper bonding approach using pillars was explored. Although the intended application is for the 3D integration process compatible with the 3D AFPGA design, the test structure was also designed to be generally applicable to various applications for 3D integration. Because of the importance of thermal management of 3D-AFPGA, it is important to predict the temperature distribution and avoid the maximum junction temperature. The numerical thermal modeling for predicting the equivalent thermal conductivity in every layer and the 3D temperature distribution in the 3D-AFPGA are developed and discussed as well.
Short- and Long-Term Exercise Results in a Differential Achilles Tendon Mechanical Response
Authors: Chen Mengcun , Shetye Snehal S. , Rooney Sarah Ilkhanipour , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted to define the biomechanical response of rat Achilles tendon after a single bout of exercise and a short or long duration of daily exercise. We hypothesized that a single bout or a short duration of exercise would cause a transient decrease in Achilles tendon mechanical properties and a long duration of daily exercise would improve these properties. One hundred and thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into cage activity (CA) or exercise (EX) groups for a single bout, short-term, or long-term exercise. Animals in single bout EX groups were euthanized, 3, 12, 24, or 48 h upon completion of a single bout of exercise (10 m/min, 1 h) on a flat treadmill. Animals in short-term EX groups ran on a flat treadmill for 3 days, 1, or 2 weeks while animals in long-term EX groups ran for 8 weeks. Tendon quasi-static and viscoelastic response was evaluated for all Achilles tendons. A single bout of exercise increased tendon stiffness after 48 h of recovery. Short-term exercise up to 1 week decreased cross-sectional area, stiffness, modulus, and dynamic modulus of the Achilles tendon. In contrast, 8 weeks of daily exercise increased stiffness, modulus, and dynamic modulus of the tendon. This study highlights the response of Achilles tendons to single and sustained bouts of exercise. Adequate time intervals are important to allow for tendon adaptations when initiating a new training regimen and overall beneficial effects to the Achilles tendon.
Luminescence of Mn4+ in a Hexafluorogermanate with the Complex Organic Cation Guanidinium [C(NH2)3]2GeF6:Mn4+
Authors: Baur Florian , Böhnisch David , Jüstel Thomas
Published: April 2020

This work concerns the synthesis and optical characterization of a novel Mn4+ activated luminescent material with chemical composition of [C(NH2)3]2GeF6:Mn4+. This is the first report of a Mn4+ activated fluoride comprising organic moieties. X-ray diffraction, IR transmission, differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to investigate the properties of the phosphor. It turns out that the material is an efficient emitter at low temperature (3 K), but the luminescence is quenched at elevated temperature. This is a rare property for Mn4+ activated fluorides and the reason for the low thermal quenching temperature is investigated. The emergence of a second zero phonon line is observed in emission spectra at temperatures higher than 10 K and a relation to spin–orbit coupling is shown. Thermal population of the higher spin–orbit level is investigated with theoretical and experimental means.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Trajectories and Blood Pressure Variability in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Schoina Maria , Loutradis Charalampos , Minopoulou Ioanna , Theodorakopoulou Marieta , Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Tzanis George , Pella Eva , Papadopoulos Rafael , Papagianni Aikaterini , Sarafidis Pantelis A.
Published: April 2020

Background: Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Whether diabetes mellitus (DM) is an additional factor leading to elevated blood pressure (BP) levels and BP variability (BPV) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. This study aimed to compare ambulatory BP levels, BP trends and BPV in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with CKD. Methods: This study included 48 diabetic and 48 non-diabetic adult patients (>18 years) with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <90 and ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2), matched in a 1:1 ratio for age, sex and eGFR within each CKD stage (2, 3a, 3b and 4). All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory BP measurement with the Mobil-O-graph device. To evaluate the effect of DM and time on the trajectories of 24-h BP levels, we performed two-way mixed ANOVA analysis for repeated measurements using hourly means. BPV was calculated with validated formulas. Results: In total, patients with DM had significantly higher 24-h systolic BP (SBP; 132.13 ± 10.71 vs. 124.16 ± 11.45; p = 0.001) and pulse pressure (PP; 57.1 ± 9.6 vs. 49.5 ± 10.9; p < 0.001), but similar 24-h diastolic BP (DBP; 75.00 ± 8.43 vs. 74.62 ± 6.86 mm Hg; p = 0.809) compared to patients without DM. A similar trend was evident across all CKD stages. The effect of DM on BP trajectories during the recording period was significant for SBP (F = 18.766, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.261) and marginally significant for DBP (F = 3.782, p = 0.057, partial η2 = 0.067). Twenty-four hour SBP SD, weighted SD (wSD) and average real variability (ARV; 10.94 ± 2.75 vs. 9.46 ± 2.10; p = 0.004), as well as 24 h DBP SD, wSD, coefficient of variation (CV) and ARV (8.23 ± 2.10 vs. 7.10 ± 1.33; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in diabetic compared to non-diabetic CKD patients. Conclusions: Ambulatory SBP and PP levels are higher and SBP-profile is different in patients with diabetic compared to those with non-diabetic CKD. Systolic and diastolic BPV are also higher in diabetics. These findings may signify a higher cardiovascular risk for patients with both DM and CKD compared to patients with CKD alone, through higher BP levels and BPV.
СВІТЛІЙ ПАМ’ЯТІ ПРОФЕСОРА ЖАНА ОЛЕКСАНДРОВИЧА РЕБЕНКА
Authors: Karpov I. O.
Published: April 2020

Стисло висвітлено основні біографічні віхи й творчий доробок видатного вченого-інфекціоніста, доктора медичних наук, професора Жана Олександровича Ребенка.
ЕПІДЕМІОЛОГІЯ ЦЕРЕБРОВАСКУЛЯРНИХ ХВОРОБ СЕРЕД ЖИТЕЛІВ МІСТА КИЄВА
Authors: Prokopiv М. М. , Slabkiy G. O.
Published: April 2020

Мета: дослідити епідеміологію цереброваскулярних хвороб серед  дорослого населення м. Києва.

Матеріали і методи. При проведенні даного дослідження використано статистичний метод та метод системного підходу. Матеріалами дослідження слугували дані галузевої статистичної звітності по м. Києву за 2014, 2017 та 2018 рр.

Результати. Встановлено тенденцію до зниження показників зареєстрованої захворюваності дорослого населення м. Києва на  цереброваскулярні хвороби та церебральний інсульт, а також поширеності  серед дорослих жителів столиці вказаної патології. У 2018 р. рівень вказаних показників у м. Києві залишається високим. Так, рівень захворюваності дорослого населення на цереброваскулярні хвороби склав 68,25 із розрахунку на 10 000 дорослого населення, на тpaнзитopні цepeбpaльні ішeмічні нaпaди тa спopіднені синдроми – 2,68, на всі форми церебральних інсультів – 14,39, при цьому цepeбpaльні інсульти, які  розвивалися на фоні артеріальної гіпертензії, склали 73,94 % від загальної кількості зареєстрованих церебральних інсультів. У місті лише 76,25 % осіб, які перенесли церебральні інсульти, перебувають під диспансерним наглядом із коливаннями показника від 48,21 % у Голосіївському до 98,57 % в Печерському районі. Це означає, що в місті 23,75 % осіб, які перенесли церебральні інсульти, не отримують належної медичної підтримки і, відповідно, мають ризик високого ступеня його повторного розвитку. Кількість осіб, які стали інвалідами внаслідок цереброваскулярних хвороб, коливається в межах 1236–1309, щорічно із яких в 2018 р. 57,45 % склали жителі міста працездатного віку. Показник смертності населення з названої причини з розрахунку на 100 000 дорослого населення збільшився на 1,18 і склав 116,07.

Різниця в показниках захворюваності дорослого населення на цереброваскулярні хвороби та поширеності даного захворювання в розрізі адміністративних територій міста можна пояснити різним рівнем звертальності населення за медичною допомогою та різною віковою характеристикою населення, яке проживає в  різних районах міста.

Висновки. Результати дослідження вказують на необхідність прийняття в м. Києві цільової програми боротьби із цереброваскулярними хворобами та проведення цільової диспансеризації дорослого населення.
Typification of three names of Brazilian Prosthechea (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae)

Authors: VIEIRA TIAGO LUIZ , VAN DEN BERG CÁSSIO
Published: April 2020

In the present paper we provide lectotypifications for the names Prosthechea bohnkiana, P. carrii, and P. elisae, and epitypes for the first two. These typifications were necessary due to gross disagreement between the available specimens and the data provided by the authors in the protologues of these names.
Taxonomic revision of Strandesia s.s. (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from four Brazilian floodplains, with the description of three new species
Authors: FERREIRA VITOR GÓIS , HIGUTI JANET , MARTENS KOEN
Published: April 2020

The present paper is a contribution to the taxonomy of the genus Strandesia. Here, we describe three new species: S. thomazi nov. sp., S. galeati nov. sp. and S. nakatanii nov. sp. We also describe the male of Strandesia obtusata (Sars, 1901); this is the first record of sexual populations of a Brazilian Strandesia species. Nine other Strandesia species from the Amazon, Araguaia, Pantanal and Paraná river floodplains are redescribed. We also propose that Strandesia trichosa Roessler, 1990 is a synonym of Strandesia psittacea Sars, 1901. Most of the species analyzed here are endemic to the Neotropical region, with the exception of Strandesia bicuspis (Claus, 1892) G.W. Müller, which occurs also (as an alien invasive species) in the Palaearctic. This genus occurs in water bodies with a wide range of abiotic variables and in many different aquatic macrophyte species. The species analyzed here have a highly conservative soft part morphology, but an impressive variety of carapace shapes.
Nano-Fragrance with pH-Sensitive Release Property for Improvement of Central Nervous System
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Lu Zhiguo , Shen Jie , Niu Yunwei , Xiao Zuobing , Chen Lei , Hao Jifu , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2020

Fragrance has the function of nerve regulation and is widely used in aromatic therapy. However, the rapid release of fragrance can cause discomfort in the body and have side effects. Besides, fragrance is still released when not in use, which can reduce the service life of fragrance
products and limit their application. Herein, cationic nanoparticles loaded with linalool were prepared and then adhered on the silk. The fragrance-encapsulated nanoparticles have pH-sensitive release property. Linalool was promoted to release in acidic condition and was suppressed to release
in alkaline condition. In addition, the nano-fragrance with controlled release properties had regulatory effects on the central nervous system. It had the effect of relieving stress according to the open field tests. Besides, it increased the expression levels of dopamine, acetylcholine and
GABA according to results of liquid chromatographmass spectrometer. Therefore, these cationic nano-fragrance with pH-sensitive release property have the potential for aromatherapy.