bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a structured process for fair allocation of critical care resources in the setting of insufficient capacity: a discussion paper
Authors: Cook Tim , Gupta Kim , Dyer Chris , Fackrell Robin , Wexler Sarah , Boyes Heather , Colleypriest Ben , Graham Richard , Meehan Helen , Merritt Sarah , Robinson Derek , Marden Bernie
Published: November 2020

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic there was widespread concern that healthcare systems would be overwhelmed, and specifically, that there would be insufficient critical care capacity in terms of beds, ventilators or staff to care for patients. In the UK, this was avoided by a threefold approach involving widespread, rapid expansion of critical care capacity, reduction of healthcare demand from non-COVID-19 sources by temporarily pausing much of normal healthcare delivery, and by governmental and societal responses that reduced demand through national lockdown. Despite high-level documents designed to help manage limited critical care capacity, none provided sufficient operational direction to enable use at the bedside in situations requiring triage. We present and describe the development of a structured process for fair allocation of critical care resources in the setting of insufficient capacity. The document combines a wide variety of factors known to impact on outcome from critical illness, integrated with broad-based clinical judgement to enable structured, explicit, transparent decision-making founded on robust ethical principles. It aims to improve communication and allocate resources fairly, while avoiding triage decisions based on a single disease, comorbidity, patient age or degree of frailty. It is designed to support and document decision-making. The document has not been needed to date, nor adopted as hospital policy. However, as the pandemic evolves, the resumption of necessary non-COVID-19 healthcare and economic activity mean capacity issues and the potential need for triage may yet return. The document is presented as a starting point for stakeholder feedback and discussion.
Predictive score for complete occlusion of intracranial aneurysms treated by flow-diverter stents using machine learning
Authors: Guédon Alexis , Thépenier Cédric , Shotar Eimad , Gabrieli Joseph , Mathon Bertrand , Premat Kévin , Lenck Stéphanie , Degos Vincent , Sourour Nader , Clarençon Frédéric
Published: November 2020

Background

Complete occlusion of an intracranial aneurysm (IA) after the deployment of a flow-diverter stent is currently unpredictable. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive occlusion score based on pretreatment clinical and angiographic criteria.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ≥6 months follow-up were included from 2008 to 2019 and retrospectively analyzed. Each IA was evaluated using the Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC) and dichotomized as occluded (A) or residual (B/C); 80% of patients were randomly assigned to the training sample. Feature selection and binary outcome prediction relied on logistic regression and threshold maximizing class separation selected by a CART tree algorithm. The feature selection was addressed by a genetic algorithm selected from the 30 pretreatment available variables.

Results

The study included 146 patients with 154 IAs. Feature selection yielded a combination of six variables with a good cross-validated accuracy on the test sample, a combination we labeled DIANES score (IA diameter, indication, parent artery diameter ratio, neck ratio, side-branch artery, and sex). A score of more than −6 maximized the ability to predict RROC=A with sensitivity of 87% (95% CI 79% to 95%) and specificity of 82% (95% CI 64% to 96%) in the training sample. Accuracy was 86% (95% CI 79% to 94%). In the test sample, sensitivity and specificity were 89% (95% CI 77% to 98%) and 60% (95% CI 33% to 86%), respectively. Accuracy was 81% (95% CI 69% to 91%).

Conclusion

A score was developed as a grading scale for prediction of the final occlusion status of IAs treated with a flow-diverter stent.
Bisalbuminemia in a dog with leishmaniosis after anti‐Leishmania therapeutic protocol administration: a rare condition detected in the electrophoretogram
Authors: Villanueva‐Saz Sergio , Ballesté Cecilia , Fernández Casasnovas Antonio , Yzuel Estevez Andrés , Verde Arribas Maria Teresa
Published: November 2020

A 5‐year‐old spayed, crossbred female dog was referred for a unilateral nosebleed of 4 months’ duration. Rhinoscopy revealed significant inflammation of the nasal mucosa compatible with severe rhinitis. On the right nostril, the presence of a white patch on the mucosa was observed and a biopsy was taken. Histopathology revealed a granulomatous inflammation with the presence of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Some macrophages contained small oval microorganisms compatible with Leishmania species. The presence of Leishmania infantum was confirmed by specific immunohistochemistry, showing stained intracellular microorganisms. Abnormal clinicopathological findings included mild anaemia and hyperglobulinemia with polyclonal gammopathy. Moderate amount of antibodies to L. infantum were detected by ELISA in serum. An anti‐Leishmania therapeutic protocol was established with allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate, and 4 months later, a follow‐up examination was performed showing improvements in laboratory parameters with the exception of the presence of bisalbuminemia.
Geotechnical centrifuge modelling of retrogressive sensitive clay landslides
Authors: Kennedy Ray , Take W. Andy , Siemens Greg
Published: November 2020

Sensitive clay landslides represent a significant geohazard due to their well-known potential for extensive retrogressive failures, on the scale of multiple hectares, which could encompass surrounding communities and infrastructure. Interpretation of retrogression mechanisms is often limited as only forensic investigations are possible. This work presents the results of a physical modelling study to examine retrogressive failures, analysis of each failure episode, and interpretation of the results using published relationships. Five novel centrifuge model tests were conducted under a defined range of undrained shear strength and slope angle conditions. The models are constructed of a sensitive cement–soil mixture that allows for a consistent contractile material with bespoke shear strength. Results indicate the observed retrogression distance correlates with Taylor’s stability number. The addition of a 5° slope angle to invoke a static shear stress on the model provoked notably larger retrogression distances. Post-test undrained shear strength measurements quantified softening of the material along the failure surface. Stability analyses on each failure episode captured the observed failure geometry and factor of safety. Results indicate that the geometric parameters of a slope, specifically the slope angle, may be able to explain a component of the scatter for relating Taylor’s stability number with retrogression distances.
Precessing and periodic motions around a black-bounce/traversable wormhole
Authors: Zhou Tian-Yi , Xie Yi
Published: November 2020

We investigate precessing and periodic geodesic motions of timelike particles around a black-bounce/traversable wormhole. After obtaining its semi-classic and relativistic periastron advance, we find a preliminary bound on the scale length of such a spactime based on the detected precession of the star S2 around the Galactic Center. We also study periodic orbits around it and find that the variation of the scale length can change the taxonomy of the periodic orbits and cause the transition from a periodic orbit to a quasi-periodic one and vice versa.
The Influence of Visual Attention on The Performance of A Novel Tactile P300 Brain-Computer Interface with Cheeks-Stim Paradigm
Authors: Mao Ying , Jin Jing , Xu Ren , Li Shurui , Miao Yangyang , Cichocki Andrzej
Published: November 2020

Tactile P300 brain-computer interface (BCI) generally has a worse accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR) than the visual-based BCI. It may be due to the fact that human beings have a relatively poor tactile perception. This study investigated the influence of visual attention on the performance of a tactile P300 BCI. We designed our paradigms based on a novel cheeks-stim paradigm which attached the stimulators on the subject’s cheeks. Two paradigms were designed as follows: a paradigm with no visual attention and another paradigm with visual attention to the target position. Eleven subjects were invited to perform the two paradigms. We also recorded and analyzed the eyeball movement data during the paradigm with visual attention to explore whether the eyeball movement would have an effect on the BCI classification. The average online accuracy was 89.09% for the paradigm with visual attention, which was significantly higher than that of the paradigm with no visual attention (70.45%). Significant difference in ITR was also found between the two paradigms ([Formula: see text]). The results demonstrated that visual attention was an effective method to improve the performance of tactile P300 BCI. Our findings suggested that it may be feasible to complete an efficient tactile BCI system by adding visual attention.
Unsteady MHD mixed convective Casson fluid flow over a flat surface in the presence of slip
Authors: Mandal Bidyut , Layek G. C.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we address a two-dimensional unsteady MHD mixed convective boundary layer flow past a flat surface of an electrically conducting Casson fluids taking radiative heat transfer. The partial slip boundary condition is imposed in the presence of suction/blowing. By adopting the continuous group of symmetry transformations, the symmetries and scaling laws are determined for the governing nonlinear partial differential equations along with boundary conditions. Finally, the set of coupled self-similar nonlinear ODEs is obtained. These equations are solved numerically for finding similar velocity and temperature for different parameter values. The effects of physical parameters on velocity and temperature are determined. The main findings are that the velocity profiles grow concavely and after reaching a critical point, the profiles overshoot by decreasing the velocity. This is due to the change of stress behavior which is an intrinsic property of the Casson fluid model. The imposition of partial slip condition on the flat surface leads to enhancement of the velocity overshoot.
FRACTAL AGGREGATION ON SMALL-WORLD NETWORKS WITH LONG-RANGE DEPOSITION
Authors: WANG REN-FEI , WANG SHENG-JUN , HUANG ZI-GANG
Published: November 2020

A model of particle-cluster aggregation on the rewired small-world network is studied. In this model, particles can adjoin to the end of the rewired long-range edges. The rewired long-range edge is controlled by two parameters, the reconnecting probability and distance controlling parameter. The simulation results indicate that, with the increasing of the length and the number of rewired long-range edges, the patterns become diffuse and the fractal dimensions of the aggregates decrease. The range of the value of dimension and the feature of patterns obtained in the model are consistent with the amyloid deposits.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION ON PULSATING FLOW PATTERNS IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL BRONCHIAL TREE
Authors: QIAN JIANGHONG , YAN WEIWEI , JIANG ZHOU , XU PENG
Published: November 2020

The pulsating airflow through human bronchial tree is of great significance for understanding its function and morphology. Fractal theory and numerical simulation are applied in this paper to study the global and local flow characteristics in the bronchial tree under unstable conditions. First, the pulsating flow impedance of fractal bronchial tree is derived, and the structure of bronchial tree is optimized by minimizing flow impedance. It has been shown that the optimal structure depends on the physical law governing the airflow. The optimized diameter ratio between parent and daughter branches for pulsating flow is different from Murray’s law, and the fractal dimension for branch diameter lies in 2 and 3. Afterwards, the local pulsating flow field by three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation on a symmetrical bronchial model is compared with the global flow characteristics by fractal analysis. The numerical results show that asymmetrical airflow characteristics can be found at high Reynolds number, and the velocity distribution of the main bronchus is more irregular and the turbulence phenomenon is more evident. This work can help to understand the association between function and structure of the bronchial tree, and it may shed light on the physical mechanisms and drugs targeting of pulmonary disease.
FRACTAL DIMENSION-BASED GENERALIZED BOX-COUNTING TECHNIQUE WITH APPLICATION TO GRAYSCALE IMAGES
Authors: NAYAK SOUMYA RANJAN , MISHRA JIBITESH
Published: November 2020

Fractal Dimension (FD) estimation in digital image analysis has received much attention due to its dimensional significance and therefore has become an active area of research over the year. The earlier FD-based techniques often followed traditional box-counting and its different variation of differential box-counting (DBC) paradigms, in which the proper choice of box count has remained a major concern. However, most of the state-of-the-art DBC variants suffer from considerable limitations like over-counting (OC), under-counting (UC), and limited their application only to square-shaped images, and it is still a major research problem! In this backdrop, the current investigation proposes a generalized box-counting (graylevel invariant DBC); and compares it with other state-of-the-art techniques. The proposed model is evaluated on five benchmark texture datasets (which include real and generated synthetic images) and obtained better results than the existing methods and achieved all desired outcomes by eliminating both OC and UC problems. This algorithm works for any arbitrarily sized (both squared and rectangular) images. It gives a higher rate of accuracy in terms of less fitting error in detecting exact surface roughness from given datasets.
SELF-SIMILARITY OF 𝒫-POSITIONS OF (2n + 1)-DIMENSIONAL WYTHOFF’S GAME
Authors: LI YANXI , WU WEN
Published: November 2020

Wythoff’s game as a classic combinatorial game has been well studied. In this paper, we focus on [Formula: see text]-dimensional Wythoff’s game; that is the Wythoff’s game with [Formula: see text] heaps. We characterize their [Formula: see text]-positions explicitly and show that they have self-similar structures. In particular, the set of all [Formula: see text]-positions of 3-dimensional Wythoff’s game generates the well-known fractal set — the Sierpinski sponge.
IMAGE ENCRYPTION TECHNOLOGY BASED ON FRACTIONAL TWO-DIMENSIONAL DISCRETE CHAOTIC MAP ACCOMPANIED WITH MENEZES-VANSTONE ELLIPTIC CURVE CRYPTOSYSTEM
Authors: LIU ZE-YU , XIA TIECHENG , WANG YI-PING
Published: November 2020

A new fractional two-dimensional triangle function combination discrete chaotic map (2DTFCDM) with the discrete fractional difference is proposed in this paper. The chaos behaviors are observed through the bifurcation diagrams, the largest Lyapunov exponent plot and the phase portraits. The proposed map is applied in color image encryption with the secret keys generated by Menezes–Vanstone Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem. The image encryption system is analyzed using six aspects indicating the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared to the other algorithms.
REAL-TIME METHOD FOR ECG R-PEAK DETECTION COMBINING AUTOMATIC THRESHOLD AND DIFFERENTIATION
Authors: LIU SI , ZHAN ENQI , ZHENG JIANBIN , YU LIE , XUE TONG
Published: November 2020

This paper proposed a novel real-time algorithm for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal analysis using the first derivative and automatic threshold to locate the R-peaks. First, the ECG signals are filtered by Butterworth low pass filter to reduce the high frequency noise. Then, the first 10[Formula: see text]s datasets of the first derivative of ECG signal are analyzed to search the maximum value. Three process thresholds are computed using this maximum value, which is used to avoid the missed and false peak detections. Thus, a threshold is automatically calculated using these searched maximum values, and divide the differentiated ECG to obtain two intersection points. Recording the time of these two intersection points, a time interval is formed for the differentiated ECG. Delaying this time interval for specific sampling periods, a new time interval is acquired for the corresponding ECG cycle. Finally, the local maximum in an ECG cycle is narrowed down in this new time interval such that the R-peak can be located. The MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database of 48 ECG recordings is used to verify the proposed algorithm. On this dataset, the proposed algorithm yielded mean sensitivity of 99.17%, positive predictivity of 97.37% and average time error of 1.01[Formula: see text]ms.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Electro Discharge Machining of NIMONIC 75 Using Taguchi-Based Gray Relational Analysis
Authors: Singh Maninder , Singh Shankar
Published: November 2020

New superalloys are potential materials in aircraft and power plant industries because of their properties like high-temperature strength, creep life and resistance to corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures. Because of the superior properties of superalloys, machining them using the conventional processes is a difficult task that is associated with high cost and poor accuracy. In this study, an attempt has been made to machine NIMONIC 75 superalloy by the electro discharge machining (EDM) process, using the Taguchi-based Gray Relational Analysis method for multi-objective optimization of material removal rate (MRR), tool electrode wear rate (TEWR) and surface finish (SF). The experiments conducted were based on [Formula: see text] (2[Formula: see text]) orthogonal array. Six input parameters namely tool material, peak current, gap voltage, pulse on-time, pulse off-time and tool lift time were considered in this study. The validation results proved that the parametric setting of tool material as copper, peak current as 12[Formula: see text]A, gap voltage as 50[Formula: see text]V, pulse on-time as 200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s, pulse off-time as 15[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s and tool lift time as 2[Formula: see text]s, yields optimized values of the performance characteristics. SEM images indicate the presence of numerous surface irregularities, whereas the XRD test shows the formation of various carbides on the EDMed surface.
Keyway Alignment Using GRNN in Robotic Pipe Handling
Authors: Chen Heping , Cao Cheng , Yu Hongliang , Cong Binghao
Published: November 2020

Perforation pipes are widely used in oil&gas exploration. Aligning a perforated pipe in different workstations is very important for quality control. Typically, a keyway in a perforated pipe is machined as the alignment feature. Once the angle of a keyway is measured, an industrial robot is used to rotate the perforated pipe to the desired location. However, due to various errors, the industrial robot cannot rotate the perforated pipe to the desired location using the measured angle once. In this paper, a method based on generalized regression neural network (GRNN) is proposed to predict the rotation angle such that an industrial robot can rotate a perforated pipe to the desired location. Training datasets are collected first to train a GRNN model. The model is then deployed to predict the rotation angle. Experiments were performed to validate the proposed method and the results show that the final keyway angle satisfies the requirement of keyway alignment.
Prophage loci predictor for bacterial genomes
Authors: Nair Manu Rajan , Amudha T.
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a new algorithm for prophage loci prediction in bacteria. Prophages are defined in Bioinformatics as viral nucleotide sequences that are found intermixed with host nucleotide sequences in bacteria. The proposed algorithm uses machine learning patterns and processing methodologies in order to provide a highly efficient system for loci prediction, thereby reducing the time-space complexity required unlike others of its class. In the training phase, a pattern database is constructed from raw nucleotide sequences of both bacteria and viruses obtained from a training set. In the prediction phase, the aforementioned database is used along with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to predict the probable loci of prophages in a test set of bacterial nucleotide sequences. Testing this method on raw sequences consisting of both partial and complete nucleotide sequences of various bacteria has yielded good results in predicting the loci of prophages in them. This algorithm and connected processes compare favorably in terms of predictive performance with others of its class such as PhiSpy and ProphET, while outperforming others in terms of raw processing speed, suggesting that a data-centric approach can yield comparable results while using a fraction of the resources.
Extended Topp–Leone family of distributions as an alternative to beta and Kumaraswamy type distributions: Application to glycosaminoglycans concentration level in urine
Authors: Chesneau Christophe , Sharma Vikas Kumar , Bakouch Hassan S.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we introduce a modified family of distributions that unifies three different families with only one tuning parameter; the so-called exp-[Formula: see text], Topp–Leone-[Formula: see text] and exp-half-[Formula: see text] families of distributions. We study mathematical properties of the proposed family, including linear representations, quantile function, probability weighted moments, reliability parameter and stochastic ordering. One of the corresponding parametric statistical model is outlined, with estimation of the parameters by the method of maximum likelihood and investigation for possible applications to glycosaminoglycans concentration level in urine over the beta Weibull and Kumaraswamy Weibull distributions. The goodness-of-fit of five other members of the family is also assessed. Regression model is also discussed using the proposed distribution and applied to establish the relationship between the glycosaminoglycans concentration level and age of the children.
Mathematical formalization of the process of crossing individuals of different populations within the framework of the quasispecies model
Authors: Sedelnikov A. V.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a mathematically formalized description of the process of crossing individuals of different populations as a break of the first kind of functional dependencies of the population state vector components. In this case, the validity of the quasispecies model as a model of population development was assumed. The practical interpretation of a mathematically formalized description is considered on the example of an artificial population of Lymantria dispar. The results of the work can be used to assess the development parameters of both natural and artificial populations.
Facile synthesis of flower-like microsphere MnS/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xu Shichao , Bai Xuejian , Tang Nan , Yang Weijing , Liu Yufan
Published: November 2020

Novel flower-like microsphere [Formula: see text]-MnS/[Formula: see text]-BiVO4 [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] heterojunction photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal and annealing method. The morphology and optical properties of composite materials were characterized with multiple techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency of MnS/BiVO4 was evaluated by degradation of Methylene blue (MB) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light. Radical trapping experiments confirmed that [Formula: see text] was the main active species to the degradation of organic contaminant in the system.
Roman Urdu Headline News Text Classification Using RNN, LSTM and CNN
Authors: Kandhro Irfan Ali , Jumani Sahar Zafar , Kumar Kamlash , Hafeez Abdul , Ali Fayyaz
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the automated tool for the classification of text with respect to predefined categories. It has always been considered as a vital method to manage and process a huge number of documents in digital forms which are widespread and continuously increasing. Most of the research work in text classification has been done in Urdu, English and other languages. But limited research work has been carried out on roman data. Technically, the process of the text classification follows two steps: the first step consists of choosing the main features from all the available features of the text documents with the usage of feature extraction techniques. The second step applies classification algorithms on those chosen features. The data set is collected through scraping tools from the most popular news websites Awaji Awaze and Daily Jhoongar. Furthermore, the data set splits in training and testing 70%, 30%, respectively. In this paper, the deep learning models, such as RNN, LSTM, and CNN, are used for classification of roman Urdu headline news. The testing accuracy of RNN (81%), LSTM (82%), and CNN (79%), and the experimental results demonstrate that the performance of the LSTM method is state-of-art method compared to CNN and RNN.
Efficient Cu Decorated Inorganic B12P12Nanoclusters for Sensing Toxic COCl2Gas: A Detailed DFT Study
Authors: Younas Faiza , Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Ayub Khurshid , Hussain Riaz , Umar Ali , Khan Muhammad Usman , Irshad Zobia , Adnan Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Gas sensing materials have been widely explored recently owing to their versatile environmental and agriculture monitoring applications. Phosgene (COCl2) is a toxic and harmful gas, therefore, a reliable and sensitive technique is required for monitoring its quantity in the atmosphere. In this study, pure as well as copper decorated B[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text](Cu-BP) nanoclusters were analyzed using DFT method to investigate their specific potential for phosgene gas adsorption. Cu interaction resulted in three optimized geometries S1, S2 and S3 with interaction energies of [Formula: see text]234.52[Formula: see text]kJ/mol, [Formula: see text]214.59[Formula: see text]kJ/mol and [Formula: see text]266.45[Formula: see text]kJ/mol, respectively. In all these three cases, the COCl2prefers to interact at the top of the cage. The phosgene molecule (COCl2) interacts with bare nanocage at a distance of 3.22[Formula: see text]Å with interaction energy of [Formula: see text]6.22[Formula: see text]kJ/mol, while the observed interaction energies of phosgene at Cu decorated B[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]76.90[Formula: see text]kJ/mol, [Formula: see text]119.03[Formula: see text]kJ/mol and [Formula: see text]29.60[Formula: see text]kJ/mol, respectively. To observe the variations in electronic structure, fermi level, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), natural bonding orbital ([Formula: see text]), softness, hardness, chemical potential and electrophilicity are calculated before and after phosgene adsorption. Energy gap reduce significantly after phosgene adsorption from 2.31[Formula: see text]eV, 2.05[Formula: see text]eV and 2.46[Formula: see text]eV to 1.54[Formula: see text]eV, 1.57[Formula: see text]eV and 2.45[Formula: see text]eV, respectively. Results of all analysis suggested that decoration of Cu significantly enhanced the adsorption power of B[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] nan-cluster for COCl2molecule. Therefore, the Cu-decorated B[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] nanocages are considered as potential candidates for application in COCl2sensors.
Electronic Skins for Healthcare Monitoring and Smart Prostheses
Authors: Chen Haotian , Dejace Laurent , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: November 2020

The human skin is a unique organ that embeds multiple functions that no artificial systems can currently replicate. Advances in materials science and engineering are driving the design of electronic skins—large-area sensor arrays that mimic some sensory modalities and have the soft, elastic form of natural skin. Here, we focus on electronic skins designed to be worn on the human body for healthcare monitoring or prosthetic applications. The primary sensing modalities are mechanical, thermal, and electrophysiological. We review key materials and associated designs needed to manufacture electronic devices that can conform to the human body and move along with it. Electronic skins offer exciting opportunities for human–machine interfaces.
Sr(Ti,Fe)O3−δ
Based Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode with Self-precipitated (Ni,Fe) and Gd0.1Ce0.9O2−δ
Nano Particles
Authors: Chen Hualin , Zhu Tenglong , Chen Xiaoyang , Bu Yunfei , Zhong Qin
Published: November 2020

We report an optimized Sr0.95Ti0.35Fe0.6Ni0.05O3−δ
(STFN) anode in electrolyte supported single cell, which exhibits high stability and fine electrochemical catalytic activity in 3% H2O-97% H2 at 750 °C, with exsolved Ni0.4Fe0.6 nano particles and stoichiometric-close composition of AB0.924O3−δ
after exsolution. In order to bring perovskite anode into application, mixtures of STFN and Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC), prepared by physical and sol-gel method, are applied as anode functional layer in electrolyte supported single cells. Further studies reveal that the composite anode prepared by adding GDC to STFN can improve anode performance at intermediate and low temperatures by decreasing anode polarization resistance (

R

p
,
A

) dependence in diluted fuels. The sol-gel method is shown to effectively fabricate uniformly dispersed multi-phase anode, compared with STFN anode, with decreased

R

p
,
A

of 0.089 Ω·cm2 for STFN@GDC anode at 750 °C and

p

H

2

=

0.97

atm
.

Moreover, the single cell also demonstrates good performance under both H2 and H2–CO.
A Sensitive Voltammetric Sensor for Improved Simultaneous Determination of Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Paracetamol
Authors: Essa W. A. , Beltagi A. M. , Hathoot A. A. , Azzem M. Abdel
Published: November 2020

An electrochemical sensor was prepared using a platinum (Pt) electrode modified with a binary layer of poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene) (p-1,5-DAN) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The obtained sensor was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electroactive surface area measurements (EASA). The PtNPs/p-1,5-DAN/Pt electrode was applied for individual and simultaneous determination of Paracetamol (PCT) and moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MFH) in aqueous solutions of Britton–Robinson buffer (BRB). Under optimized conditions, the PtNPs/p-1,5-DAN/Pt electrode exhibited excellent sensing ability toward the oxidation of PCT and MFH with linear responses with ranges of 1–1000μM and 10–1000μM and detection limits of 0.09μM and 0.10μM, respectively. PtNPs/p-1,5-DAN/Pt exhibits good repeatability, reproducibility, and acceptable stability and was found to be applicablefor simultaneous determination of PCT and MFH in pharmaceutical formulations and spiked biological fluids.
The Influence of Acidity, Chlorides and a High-Potential Quinone on the Corrosion of Hastelloy C-22 in Nonaqueous Solutions
Authors: Atz Dick P. , Beekwilder M. J. , Kelly R. G.
Published: November 2020

The corrosion of Hastelloy C-22 at room temperature in acetonitrile (MeCN) solutions containing various concentrations of tetrabutylammonium chloride (Bu4NCl), HCl and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) was investigated, mimicking aggressive environments used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. In the absence of sources of Cl–, C-22 is passive in MeCN. In neutral MeCN containing Bu4NCl, C-22 undergoes pitting upon anodic polarization. C-22 presents an active-passive transition in MeCN with 5 mM HCl. In HCl concentrations above 5 mM, C-22 is completely active and icorr increases with HCl concentration. Comparing with the literature in aqueous corrosion of C-22, the breakdown of passivity in MeCN takes place at much lower chloride additions. The corrosion in MeCN/HCl/DDQ solutions can achieve surprisingly high rates, as seen in electrochemical tests (icorr = 6.5 mA cm−2) and mass loss tests (penetration rate > 10 mm y−1), due to the oxidizing power of DDQ. In equimolar concentration, HCl and DDQ have a synergistic effect on the elevation of the cathodic kinetics of C-22 corrosion, due to the effects of acidity on the reduction of DDQ.
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Secretome in the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Harrell Carl Randall , Jovicic Biljana Popovska , Djonov Valentin , Volarevic Vladislav
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent responsible for the development of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a highly transmittable virus which, in just ten months, infected more than 40 million people in 214 countries worldwide. After inhalation, aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 penetrate to the depths of the lungs and cause severe pneumonia, alveolar injury, and life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since there are no specific drugs or vaccines available to cure or prevent COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-related ARDS, a new therapeutic agent which will support oxygen supply and, at the same time, efficiently alleviate SARS-CoV-2-induced lung inflammation is urgently needed. Due to their potent immuno- and angiomodulatory characteristics, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may increase oxygen supply in the lungs and may efficiently alleviate ongoing lung inflammation, including SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS. In this review article, we described molecular mechanisms that are responsible for MSC-based modulation of immune cells which play a pathogenic role in the development of SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS and we provided a brief outline of already conducted and ongoing clinical studies that increase our understanding about the therapeutic potential of MSCs and their secretome in the therapy of COVID-19-related ARDS.
Effect of Baicalin on Bacterial Secondary Infection and Inflammation Caused by H9N2 AIV Infection in Chickens
Authors: Zhang Xinheng , Zhao Qiqi , Ci Xiaotong , Chen Sheng , Chen Liyi , Lian Jiamin , Xie Zi , Ye Yaqiong , Lv Huiyuan , Li Hongxin , Lin Wencheng , Zhang Huanmin , Xie Qingmei
Published: November 2020

H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (H9N2 AIV) is a low pathogenic virus that is widely prevalent all over the world. H9N2 AIV causes immunosuppression in the host and often leads to high rates of mortality due to secondary infection with Escherichia. Due to the drug resistance of bacteria, many antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of secondary bacterial infection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find effective nonantibiotic drugs for the treatment of H9N2 AIV infection‐induced secondary bacterial infection and inflammation. This study proves, for the first time, that baicalin, a Chinese herbal medicine, can regulate Lactobacillus to replace Escherichia induced by H9N2 AIV, so as to resolve the intestinal flora disorder. In addition, baicalin can effectively prevent intestinal bacterial translocation of SPF chickens’ post‐H9N2 AIV infection, thus inhibiting secondary bacterial infection. Furthermore, baicalin can effectively treat H9N2 AIV‐induced inflammation by inhibiting intestinal structural damage, inhibiting damage to ileal mucus layer construction and tight junctions, improving antioxidant capacity, affecting blood biochemical indexes, and inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results provide a new theoretical basis for clinical prevention and control of H9N2 AIV infection‐induced secondary bacterial infection and inflammation.
A Hybrid Uniplanar Pedicle Screw System with a New Intermediate Screw for Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Li-Cheng , Li Jiantao , Zhang Hao , Zhao Jing-Xin , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2020

Purpose. A hybrid pedicle screw system for minimally invasive spinal fixation was developed based on the uniplanar pedicle screw construct and a new intermediate screw. Its biomechanical performance was evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. Methods. A T12‐L2 FE model was established to simulate the L1 vertebral compression fracture with Magerl classification A1.2. Six fixation models were developed to simulate the posterior pedicle screw fracture fixation, which were divided into two subgroups with different construct configurations: (1) six‐monoaxial/uniplanar/polyaxial pedicle screw constructs and (2) four‐monoaxial/uniplanar/polyaxial pedicle screw constructs with the new intermediate screw. After model validation, flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with 7.5 Nm moments and preloading of 500 N vertical compression were applied to the FE models to compare the biomechanical performances of the six fixation models with maximum von Mises stress, range of motion, and maximum displacement of the vertebra. Results. Under four loading scenarios, the maximum von Mises stresses were found to be at the roots of the upper or lower pedicle screws. In the cases of flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation, the maximum von Mises stress of the uniplanar screw construct lay in between the monoaxial and polyaxial screw constructs in each subgroup. Considering lateral bending, the uniplanar screw construct enabled to lower the maximum von Mises stress than monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screw constructs in each subgroup. Two subgroups showed comparable results of the maximum von Mises stress on the endplates, range of motion of T12‐L1, and maximum displacement of T12 between the corresponding constructs with the new intermediate screw or not. Conclusions. The observations shown in this study verified that the hybrid uniplanar pedicle screw system exhibited comparable biomechanical performance as compared with other posterior short‐segment constructs. The potential advantage of this new fixation system may provide researchers and clinical practitioners an alternative for minimally invasive spinal fixation with vertebral augmentation.
Optimal Operation Scheme with Short-Turn, Express, and Local Services in an Urban Rail Transit Line
Authors: Feng Tao , Tao Siyu , Li Zhengyang
Published: November 2020

Flexible railway operation modes combining different operation strategies, such as short-turn, express, and local services, can significantly reduce operator and user costs and increase the efficiency and attractiveness of rail transit services. It is therefore necessary to develop optimization models to find optimal combinations of operation strategies for urban rail transit lines. In this paper, a model is proposed for solving the urban rail transit operation scheme problem. The model considers short-turn, express, and local services with the aim of minimizing the operator’s and users’ costs. The problem is first decomposed into two subproblems: the service route design problem and the passenger assignment problem. Then, a mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP) model is formulated, and linearization techniques are utilized to transform the MINLP model into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model that can be easily solved by commercial optimization solvers. To accelerate the solution process, a heuristic search algorithm is proposed to obtain (nearly) optimal solutions based on the characteristics of the model. The two subproblems are solved iteratively to improve the quality of solutions. A real-life case study in Chengdu, China, is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model and algorithm.
3D Printed Personalized Guide Plate in the Femoral Head Core Decompression
Authors: Cheng Liangliang , Qiu Xing , Yang Lei , Xiao Chi , Liu Baoyi , Okoye Chukwuemeka Samuel , Zhao Dewei
Published: November 2020

Objective. To investigate the feasibility of using 3D printed personalized guide plates in core decompression procedures for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods. The clinical data of 8 patients undergoing femoral head core decompression from January to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Three‐dimensional (3D) images of the patients were reconstructed from the CT scan data taken preoperatively. From the data obtained, puncture position, drill hole, and depth were evaluated, and individualized 3D puncture guide plates were designed using Mimics 21.0 software. During the operation, the needle went through the hole of the guide plate, the depth of the drill was controlled, and the obtained bone tissues were sent for pathological evaluation. Intraoperative X‐ray and postoperative pathological results were used to evaluate the success of the puncture. Results. The individualized guide plates used for core compression on the 8 patients were well fitted with the anatomic structure of the puncture site, and the direction and depth of the needle insertion were consistent with the preoperative design. The operation time was about 15‐22 mins. The position of the decompression tunnel was the same as the designed plate. The postoperative pathology showed necrotic bone tissue. There were no postoperative complications such as infection, bleeding, and fracture. Conclusion. The 3D printed individualized guide plate can simplify core decompression and would make this procedure more accurate, safe, and quick, in addition to obtaining necrotic tissues for pathological examination.
Study on Preservation of Chilled Beef with Natural Essential Oil Nanocapsules
Authors: Xi Bin , Gao Yaqin , Guo Tianfen , Li Weihong , Yang Xiaoling , Du Tianqing
Published: November 2020

Beef is rich in amino acids and vitamin B6, carnitine, potassium, protein, and other nutrients. It can improve the body’s ability to resist disease and is especially suitable for growth, development, and postoperation and postrehabilitation care. Under such circumstances, the demand for beef consumption in various countries continues to grow steadily. At present, domestic beef prices continue to rise, and beef supply is insufficient. In addition, fresh beef is easy to be infected with microorganisms in the process of cold storage, which makes fresh beef deteriorated. Therefore, it is very important to add preservatives to prolong the shelf life of chilled beef. In this paper, the preservation of chilled beef with nanocapsules made of natural essential oil from plant extracts was studied. In this study, cumin, Zanthoxylum, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and thyme were selected to study the effect of six kinds of essential oils on beef preservation through comparative experiments. On the basis of such research data, the six kinds of essential oils were compounded, respectively, and different nanoessential oil capsules were applied to the fresh-keeping of chilled beef to make different kinds of nanoessential oil capsules. Through the experiment, the compound essential oil with better preservation effect was obtained. And through the comparison, cinnamon essential oil has obvious antibacterial activity, while ginger essential oil has the worst antibacterial effect. The pH value of beef can be changed and the degradation rate of protein in beef will be slowed down by applying appropriate amount of decomposed plant essential oil to beef samples. Through the above experimental results, we applied the compound essential oil to the preservation of cold and fresh beef at nanometer level and found that the effect was significant, which was worthy of application in major beef products processing plants.
Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation of the Gluteus Medius during Gait in Patients following a Stroke
Authors: Araki Sota , Kawada Masayuki , Miyazaki Takasuke , Nakai Yuki , Takeshita Yasufumi , Matsuzawa Yuta , Yamaguchi Yuya , Ohwatashi Akihiko , Tojo Ryuji , Nakamura Toshihiro , Nakatsuji Shintaro , Kiyama Ryoji
Published: November 2020

Many stroke patients rely on cane or ankle‐foot orthosis during gait rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the gluteus medius (GMed) and tibialis anterior (TA) on gait performance in stroke patients, including those who needed assistive devices. Fourteen stroke patients were enrolled in this study (mean poststroke duration: 194.9 ± 189.6 d; mean age: 72.8 ± 10.7 y). Participants walked 14 m at a comfortable velocity with and without FES to the GMed and TA. After an adaptation period, lower‐limb motion was measured using magnetic inertial measurement units attached to the pelvis and the lower limb of the affected side. Motion range of angle of the affected thigh and shank segments in the sagittal plane, motion range of the affected hip and knee extension‐flexion angle, step time, and stride time were calculated from inertial measurement units during the middle ten walking strides. Gait velocity, cadence, and stride length were also calculated. These gait indicators, both with and without FES, were compared. Gait velocity was significantly faster with FES (p = 0.035). Similarly, stride length and motion range of the shank of the affected side were significantly greater with FES (stride length: p = 0.018; motion range of the shank: p = 0.026). Meanwhile, cadence showed no significant difference (p = 0.238) in gait with or without FES. Similarly, range of motion of the affected hip joint, knee joint, and thigh did not differ significantly depending on FES condition (p = 0.115‐0.529). FES to the GMed and TA during gait produced an improvement in gait velocity, stride length, and motion range of the shank. Our results will allow therapists to use FES on stroke patients with varying conditions.
Nutritional‐Related Predictors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Central Ethiopia: An Unmatched Case‐Control Study
Authors: Deriba Berhanu Senbeta , Bulto Gizachew Abdissa , Bala Elias Teferi
Published: November 2020

Background. Anemia is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries especially among pregnant women. Nearly half of pregnant women in Ethiopia have anemia which has both health and economic impacts. Therefore, this study is aimed at identifying nutritional‐related predictors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Central Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. An unmatched case‐control study was conducted at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia from February to April 2019. The consecutive sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire, and the collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and SPSS version 23 for analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were computed to identify predictors of anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05 was used to determine the presence of an association. Result. A total of 426 pregnant women (142 cases and 284 controls) had participated in this study. Taking tea/coffee immediately after food (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.39‐3.99), mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) of mothers of <23 centimeters (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.26‐6.49), the presence of forbidden food during pregnancy (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.24‐3.88), not taking additional food (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17‐3.40), unable to take fruit (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.3‐15.47), loss of appetite (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.28‐4.09), low dietary diversity score (DDS) (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.83‐5.90), and medium DDS (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.46‐5.70) were found to be determinants of anemia. Conclusions. Taking tea or coffee immediately after food, MUAC of mothers, the presence of forbidden food, not taking additional food, frequency of taking fruit, and dietary diversity were predictors of anemia among pregnant women. Therefore, interventions targeted at prevention of anemia among pregnant mothers should emphatically consider those identified determinants. This finding also highlights the need for strong nutritional counseling to prevent anemia among pregnant mothers during antenatal care follow‐ups along with other interventions.