bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory Studies of Zn12O12 Clusters Doped with Mg/Eu and Defect Complexes
Authors: Aravindh S. Assa , Roqan Iman S. , Alawadhi Hussain
Published: January 2020

We report a density functional theory study of ZnO cluster doped with Eu and Mg along with native point defects using the generalized gradient approximation including the Hubbard parameter. The Zn atomic positions are found to be energetically more favorable doping sites than O. The Eu has a lower formation energy than Zn and O vacancies, helps in lowering the formation energy of point defects and induces spin polarization. Mg is less favorable dopant energetically and is not inducing any magnetism in the cluster. Presence of Eu and point defects along with Mg can help in sustaining spin polarization, implying that transition metal and rare earth dopant is a favorable combination to invoke desirable properties in ZnO based materials. Eu–Eu doping pair prefers ferromagnetic orientation and a spin flip is induced by Eu in the Eu–Mg configuration. Further, Eu doping increases the value of static refractive index and optical absorption in the UV region compared to the undoped ZnO cluster.
A game-theoretic optimisation approach to fair customer allocation in oligopolies
Authors: Charitopoulos Vassilis M. , Dua Vivek , Pinto Jose M. , Papageorgiou Lazaros G.
Published: January 2020

Under the ever-increasing capital intensive environment that contemporary process industries face, oligopolies begin to form in mature markets where a small number of companies regulate and serve the customer base. Strategic and operational decisions are highly dependent on the firms’ customer portfolio and conventional modelling approaches neglect the rational behaviour of the decision makers, with regards to the problem of customer allocation, by assuming either static competition or a leader-follower structure. In this article, we address the fair customer allocation within oligopolies by employing the Nash bargaining approach. The overall problem is formulated as mixed integer program with linear constraints and a nonlinear objective function which is further linearised following a separable programming approach. Case studies from the industrial liquid market highlight the importance and benefits of the proposed game theoretic approach.
A Sparse Latent Class Model for Cognitive Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Yinyin , Culpepper Steven , Liang Feng
Published: January 2020

Cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) are latent variable models developed to infer latent skills, knowledge, or personalities that underlie responses to educational, psychological, and social science tests and measures. Recent research focused on theory and methods for using sparse latent class models (SLCMs) in an exploratory fashion to infer the latent processes and structure underlying responses. We report new theoretical results about sufficient conditions for generic identifiability of SLCM parameters. An important contribution for practice is that our new generic identifiability conditions are more likely to be satisfied in empirical applications than existing conditions that ensure strict identifiability. Learning the underlying latent structure can be formulated as a variable selection problem. We develop a new Bayesian variable selection algorithm that explicitly enforces generic identifiability conditions and monotonicity of item response functions to ensure valid posterior inference. We present Monte Carlo simulation results to support accurate inferences and discuss the implications of our findings for future SLCM research and educational testing.
Synthesis optimisation and characterisation of chitosan-calcite adsorbent from fishery-food waste for phosphorus removal
Authors: Pap Sabolc , Kirk Caroline , Bremner Barbara , Turk Sekulic Maja , Gibb Stuart W. , Maletic Snezana , Taggart Mark A.
Published: January 2020

Here, Box-Behnken design (BBD) approaches were utilised to optimise synthesis methodology for the chitosan-calcite rich adsorbent (CCM) made from fishery-food waste material (crab carapace), using low-temperature activation and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The effect of activation temperature, activation time and impregnation ratio was studied. The final adsorbent material was evaluated for its phosphorus (P) removal efficiency from liquid phase. Results showed that impregnation ratio was the most significant individual factor as this acted to increase surface deacetylation of the chitin (to chitosan) and increased the number of amine groups (–NH2) in the chitosan chain. P removal efficiency approached 75.89% (at initial P concentration of 20 mg/L) under optimised experimental conditions, i.e. where the impregnation ratio for KOH:carapace (g/g) was 1:1, the activation temperature was 105 °C and the activation time was 150 min. Predicted responses were in good agreement with the experimental data. Additionally, the pristine and CCM material were further analysed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Characterisation showed enhancements in surface chemistry (introducing positively charged amine groups), textural properties and thermal stability of the CCM.
A New Coryphoid Palm from the Maastrichtian-Danian Sediments of Madhya Pradesh and its Palaeoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Khan Mahasin Ali , Roy Kaustav , Hazra Taposhi , Mahato Sumana , Bera Subir
Published: January 2020

A new petrified palm stem Palmoxylon dindoriensis Khan, Roy et Bera, sp. nov. from the latest Maastrichtian (late Cretaceous)-earliest Danian (early Paleocene) sediments of the Deccan Intertrappean beds of Madhya Pradesh, central India is reported. Sections from different parts of the recovered stem were prepared by using standard thin section techniques and studied under transmitted light compound and scanning electron microscopes. The significant anatomical characters of the present fossil stem are the presence of well-preserved fibrovascular bundles (fvbs) with reniform type of dorsal fibrous sclerenchymatous part (dcap), two metaxylem vessel elements in each fvb, well-developed two-layered tabular parenchyma around dcap of fvb, fibrous bundles throughout the CZ, highly compact ground parenchyma tissue and the absence of centrifugal differentiation of fibrous part of fvb. The aforesaid anatomical attributes reveal its close resemblance with the extant taxa of subfamily Coryphoideae of the family Arecaceae having Cocos-type general stem organization. The core distribution of modern palms and the presence of highly compact ground parenchyma of the present fossil suggest that they thrived under a tropical, terrestrial warm, humid environment during the time of deposition (latest Maastrichtian-earliest Danian).
The role of alkali metal and alkaline metal earth in natural zeolite on combustion of Albizia Falcataria sawdust
Authors: Hairul Bahri Mokh. , Wijayanti Widya , Hamidi Nurkholis , Wardana I. N. G.
Published: January 2020

The combustion process of Albizia falcataria (AF) sawdust with the addition of natural zeolite (NZ) was observed experimentally using PT 1600 LINSEIS Simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA). The results showed that alkali metal and alkaline metal earth in NZ play an essential role in the process of decomposing the Hemicellulose AF molecule. The results of the molecular analysis show that the chemical balance of the mixture determines the combustion temperature. Excess NZ becomes a thermal burden which slows down the combustion reaction because heat does not sufficiently activate alkali metal and alkaline metal earth in NZ. In a small amount, NZ is less involved in the AF decomposition process. It shows that a mixture of AF and NZ can increase combustion kinetic in the right mix. Addition of 15–20% of NZ decreases the ignition temperature within faster burning rate. Activated alkali metal and alkaline metal earth decompose hemicellulose faster so that they burn completely in minimizing pollutant and maximizing LHV. Greater NZ completes the decomposition much earlier so that at the resting time of the process NZ slightly absorbs heat sinking LHV. The drastic reduction of Ca due to NZ make the fuel is suitable for boiler because Ca is responsible for agglomeration and corrosion.
Physical fitness in institutionalized older adults with dementia: association with cognition, functional capacity and quality of life
Authors: Sampaio A. , Marques-Aleixo I. , Seabra A. , Mota J. , Marques E. , Carvalho J.
Published: January 2020

This cross-sectional study investigated the association of physical fitness with cognitive function, functional capacity and quality of life among institutionalized older adults with dementia. One hundred and two older adults aged 78.0 ± 8.4 years, predominantly female (67.6%), with neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (49.2%), vascular dementia (14.7%), Parkinson’s disease (2%), dementia with Lewy bodies (2%) or unspecified dementia (32.1%) participated in the present study. Regression analyses were used to examine associations between physical fitness components (Senior Fitness Test) and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), functional capacity (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living) and Quality of Life (QoL)-Alzheimer's Disease scale. Univariate regression indicates that strength, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance and aerobic endurance are relevant for cognitive function, physical capacity and perceived QoL in institutionalized older people with dementia. After multiple regression analyses, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), results showed that aerobic endurance had a significant positive association with Total Katz Index. For both, caregiver perception of QoL-AD and global QoL-AD, BMI remained significantly and positively associated. Agility–dynamic balance presented a significant negative relation with global QoL-AD. Overall, our findings suggest that better physical fitness is important for cognition and autonomous functional capacity and that it has positive repercussions on the QoL in institutionalized older adults with dementia. Consequently, exercise-based therapeutic strategies aiming to improve physical fitness should be implemented.
The association between sociodemographic characteristics and dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wändell Per , Carlsson Axel C. , Li Xinjun , Gasevic Danijela , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Association between socio-demographic factors and dementia risk is studied in general but not for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods

We studied AF patients ≥ 45 years in Sweden 1998–2012 (n = 537,513) using the Total Population Register for socio-demographic factors, the Swedish Cause of Death Register, and the National Patient Register (NPR) for incident dementia. Cox regression with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used for the association between exposure and outcome, adjusting for age and comorbidities.

Results

Totally 30,332 patients (5.6%) were diagnosed with dementia during the follow-up (mean 5.4 years). Of these, 14,097 were men (4.9%) and 16,235 were women (6.5%). Lower educational levels (reference: highest level) were associated with increased dementia, HRs (95% CI) for basic school for men 1.23 (1.18–1.29) and women 1.36 (1.30–1.42), and middle-level school for men 1.17 (1.11–1.22) and women 1.28 (1.22–1.34). Divorced men and women (reference: married) showed increased risk of dementia, HR 1.07 (1.01–1.13) and 1.12 (1.06–1.18), respectively, while widowed men showed lower risk, HR 0.84 (0.80–0.88). High deprivation neighborhood socio-economic status (NSES; reference: medium level) was associated with increased dementia in men, HR 1.11 (1.05–1.17), and low deprivation neighborhood socio-economic status (NSES) with increased dementia in men and women, HR 1.12 (1.06–1.18) and 1.18 (1.12–1.24), respectively.

Conclusions

Some results were expected, i.e. association between lower educational level and dementia. The higher risk of dementia in low deprivation NSES-areas could be due to a higher awareness about dementia, and subsequent earlier diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
Value at Induced Risk: Injection‐Induced Seismic Risk From Low‐Probability, High‐Impact Events
Authors: Langenbruch Cornelius , Ellsworth William L. , Woo Jeong‐Ung , Wald David J.
Published: January 2020

The increasing number of damaging earthquakes, induced by underground injection of fluids, demonstrates the need of a structured methodology for critical thinking about and clear communication of induced seismic risk. Using the Pohang, South Korea, geothermal project and the damaging (US$75M) local magnitudeML5.35 induced earthquake in 2017, we present a straightforward methodology that summarizes induced seismic risk in a single time‐dependent number, the Value at Induced Risk (VaIR). VaIR quantifies the amount of economic losses that will not be exceeded at a given confidence level. Our method reveals that the Pohang project was exposed to a 2% chance of causing economic losses of US$140M or more (1% of US$3.2B or more). The high risk could have been identified during the sequence of reservoir stimulation, lasting almost 2 years. VaIR opens new ways to assess and communicate risk to all stakeholders for informed risk management decision making.
How Tropical Convection Couples High Moist Static Energy Over Land and Ocean
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fueglistaler Stephan
Published: January 2020

We show that in the tropics, tropical atmospheric dynamics force the subcloud moist static energy (MSE) over land and ocean to be very similar in, and only in, regions of deep convection. Using observed rainfall as a proxy for convection and reanalysis data to calculate MSE, we show that subcloud MSE in the nonconvective regions may differ substantially between land and ocean but is uniform across latitudes in convective regions even on a daily timescale. This result holds also in CMIP5 model simulations of past cold and future warm climates. Furthermore, the distribution of rainfall amount in subcloud MSE is very similar over land and ocean with the peak at 343 J/g and a half width at half maximum of 3 J/g. Our results demonstrate that the horizontally uniform free tropospheric temperature forces the highest subcloud MSE values to be similar over land and ocean.
Dynamical Response of an Arctic Mixed‐Phase Cloud to Ice Precipitation and Downwelling Longwave Radiation From an Upper‐Level Cloud
Authors: Chen Yao‐Sheng , Harrington Jerry Y. , Verlinde Johannes , Zhang Fuqing , Oue Mariko
Published: January 2020

Multilayered, mixed‐phase clouds are frequently present in the Arctic atmosphere. The upper‐level clouds can impact the lower‐level clouds through seeding with ice precipitation and reducing their cloud top radiative cooling rate. The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System is used to study the response of the lower‐level clouds to the perturbations introduced by the upper‐level clouds through the aforementioned mechanisms. The results show that both ice‐seeding and downwelling longwave radiation from the upper‐level clouds contribute to the dissipation of the lower‐level clouds. With the reduction of liquid in the lower‐level cloud, differential heating between the region directly perturbed by the upper‐level cloud and the adjacent region drives a circulation in and below the lower‐level cloud and dissipates the liquid in the lower‐level cloud beyond the directly perturbed region. The broad updraft formed in the perturbed region as the liquid layer in the low‐level cloud dissipates can lead to the re‐formation of a liquid cloud layer in the center of the gap if the perturbations weaken, the results of which is to reduce the magnitude of the differential heating and limit the significance of this response. However, even with this re‐formation, the warm air in the gap lowers the cloud top height and reduces the liquid water path of nearby clouds and potentially changes their radiative effects.
Amorphous FeOx (x = 1, 1.5) coated Cu3P nanosheets with bamboo leaves-like morphology induced by solvent molecule adsorption for highly active HER catalysts
Authors: Tong Cheng , Xiang Rui , Peng Lishan , Tan Lianqiao , Tang Xianyi , Wang Jianchuan , Li Li , Liao Qiang , Wei Zidong
Published: January 2020

Bamboo leaves-like g-FeOx–Cu3P@Cu nanosheets induced by solvent molecule adsorption leading to high HER activity.
Anti-freezing and moisturizing conductive hydrogels for strain sensing and moist-electric generation applications
Authors: He Peng , Wu Junying , Pan Xiaofeng , Chen Lihui , Liu Kai , Gao Haili , Wu Hui , Cao Shilin , Huang Liulian , Ni Yonghao
Published: January 2020

An anti-freezing and moisturizing conductive hydrogel, capable of harvesting energy from moisture, was developed by incorporating tannic acid and carbon nanotubes into polyvinyl alcohol containing a water–glycerol dispersion.
A high-energy sandwich-type self-powered biosensor based on DNA bioconjugates and a nitrogen doped ultra-thin carbon shell
Authors: Wang Fu-Ting , Wang Yi-Han , Xu Jing , Huang Ke-Jing
Published: January 2020

A high-energy self-powered sensing platform for the ultrasensitive detection of proteins is developed based on enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) by using DNA bioconjugate assisted signal amplification.
Demodulation type single‐phase PLL with DC offset rejection
Authors: Ahmed H. , Benbouzid M.
Published: January 2020

This Letter proposes demodulation type PLL for phase and frequency estimation of single‐phase system that can reject DC offset. Using results from the adaptive estimation literature, this Letter proposes a linear parametric model‐based initial phase angle estimation approach. Then by using differentiation and integration operation on the estimated initial phase angle, the frequency is estimated. This avoids the use of any low‐pass filter unlike conventional demodulation‐based technique. Moreover, unlike existing demodulation‐based technique, the proposed technique can completely reject DC offset. Comparative experimental results, provided with state‐of‐the‐art DC offset rejection‐based enhanced phase locked‐loop, clearly demonstrate the suitability of the proposed technique.
Psychological and environmental factors affecting driver's frequent lane‐changing behaviour: a national sample of drivers in China
Authors: Ma Yanli , Yin Biqing , Jiang Xiancai , Du Jankun , Chan Chingyao
Published: January 2020

To understand the characteristics of a driver who frequently change lanes and analysing the mechanisms of frequent lane‐changing behaviour. The authors collected data via video recording and questionnaire and analysed the influence of traffic environment and driver characteristics on frequent lane‐changing behaviour by mathematical statistics. Results showed that the traffic environment of three lanes, small cars and traffic flow density were strongly correlated with frequent lane‐changing behaviour. The drivers were the main factors affecting frequent lane‐changing behaviour, which was most prevalent during aggressive driving. Only 26.4% of drivers never engaged in this behaviour. Most prone to frequent lane‐changing behaviour were males, 31–40 years old and with low academic qualifications and choleric personalities. These findings have a significant role in realising dynamic assistance and providing a security warning to the driver. Obtained baseline data could be used for driving‐behaviour recognition and guidance for the improvement of road condition. Furthermore, results could enrich the traffic data related to lane‐changing behaviour and provide theoretical support for the development of vehicle infrastructure cooperative system and automatic driving, which will contribute to building future sustainably intelligent mobility.
Building entry loss and capacity evaluation of a UAV‐to‐indoor dual‐polarised MIMO channel
Authors: Moraitis Nektarios , Nikolaidis Viktor , Vouyioukas Demosthenes , Kanatas Athanasios G.
Published: January 2020

This study presents building entry loss and capacity results obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐to‐indoor narrowband dual‐polarised multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) channel measurement campaign. Six different measurement scenarios were carried out with the transmitter (Tx) located on a low altitude platform (LAP) and the receiver (Rx) at various floors and distances from the external windows of a multi‐storey building. An analytic and simple procedure is proposed for the calculation of entry loss. The results reveal that there is a strong dependence on the propagation geometry and the orientation of the receiver with respect to the moving LAP transmitter. The processed data for both entry loss and capacity indicate a two‐state process that is closely related to the Tx–Rx relative azimuth and elevation angle. The average entry loss levels vary from 33 to 50 dB. The overall ergodic capacity varies between 3.1 and 4.1 b/s/Hz with insignificant variations with the floor level and the distance from the window. Finally, the K‐factor of the channel lies below 6 dB tending to decrease with higher elevation angles.
Harmonic circulation and DC voltage instability mechanism of parallel‐SVG system
Authors: Chen Jikai , Shao Hui , Cheng Yiping , Wang Xiaozhe , Li Guoqing , Sun Chu , Jiang Qirong , Qin Jiangchao
Published: January 2020

A parallel static var generator (SVG) system based on cascaded H‐bridge topology in wind afflux station is analysed in this study to reveal the mechanism of harmonic current and DC voltage instability due to the phase difference between the PWM carriers. First, the inherent relation of harmonic current and low‐frequency disturbance is revealed by carrier‐phase‐shift pulse‐width‐modulation (CPS‐PWM) theory. Second, to identify the negative impact of low‐frequency disturbance, a small‐signal circuit model is built to research the electric coupling relation between SVGs and the grid, then pointing out the main factors which affect the harmonic circulation among the two‐paralleled SVGs. Third, the output impedance and the transfer function of SVG give an insight into the interaction between SVG and low‐frequency resonance characteristics, based on which a virtual resistance method is proposed to shape the resonant peak. Finally, theoretical analysis and system experiment prove that the proposed control strategy can rapidly attenuate low‐frequency resonant peaks of the system, avoiding the DC voltage instability in the SVG system when harmonic circulation occurs.
Efficient method to investigate the equivalent series resistance of a capacitor in low frequency range
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Huang Qiongdan , Wang Honggang , Shi Xinke
Published: January 2020

The equivalent series resistance (ESR) is an important parameter for determining the quality of a capacitor. In general, the value of the ESR can be obtained only at a single frequency point during mass production testing, because obtaining the whole ESR curve by means of scanning the frequency range is time consuming. We present a novel method to investigate how the ESR varies with frequency during batch testing. We use the multi‐frequency synthesis excitation waveform to obtain the ESR at multiple frequency points. This allows the entire ESR curve to be obtained during one measurement period, thus greatly improving the measurement speed. The mathematical principle, the circuit realisation and the signal processing algorithm are discussed. Furthermore, a principle verification test is conducted, and the ESR values at seven frequency points are synchronously measured. The obtained results are consistent with those acquired from a standard LCR meter, and the entire measurement is completed within 10 ms, which confirms that our method is efficient and suitable for measurements in the mass production testing.
Effect of introduction of tetrabutylammonium bromide on properties of poly (L‐lactic acid) tubular scaffold prepared by electrospinning
Authors: Fan Chuan Jie , Sun Tian Shu , Luo Jing Qi , Liu Hai Yan , Zhou Xiao Dong
Published: January 2020

In this work, poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) tubular scaffold was prepared by adding tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) to the PLLA spinning solution. The effects of the introduction of TBAB on the morphology, crystallisation and mechanical properties of PLLA scaffolds were systematically studied by means of scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the introduction of TBAB improves crystallinity and mechanical property of the PLLA scaffold. As the TBAB content in the spinning solution increases, the mechanical properties of the PLLA tubular scaffold increase first and then decrease. The circumferential tensile strength of the PLLA tubular scaffold prepared by the spinning solution with addition of TBAB were found to increase by up to 323%. The results of DSC and XRD show that the introduction of TBAB can improve the crystallinity of the PLLA fibres. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy test results demonstrate that the chain orientation of the PLLA fibres increases with the TBAB content in the spinning solution and induces the formation of α /α ′ crystal phase structure in the PLLA fibres, which is the main reason for the substantial improvement of the mechanical properties of the tubular scaffold.
22q11.2 Microduplications: Two Clinical Reports Compared with Similar Cases from the Literature
Authors: Oyetunji Aderonke , Butler Merlin G.
Published: January 2020

We present two male subjects (6 and 14 years old) with mild dysmorphism, intellectual disability, and/or autism spectrum disorder with chromosome 22q11.2 microduplications of different sizes. We then compared the clinical and genetic findings with similar cases from the literature sharing the same 22q11.2 duplications. These rare duplications in our subjects were identified by high-resolution chromosomal microarray analysis and flanked by low copy repeats in the 22q11.2 region, specifically LCR22A, LCR22B, and LCR22D. The typical 22q11.2 defect generally involves a deletion at breakpoints LCR22A and LCR22D causing DiGeorge or velo-cardio-facial syndrome and not duplications of varying sizes as seen in our male subjects.
The Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Pancreatic Pathologies
Authors: Salahia Ghali , Chin Sook Cheng , Zealley Ian , White Richard D.
Published: January 2020

Pancreatic pathologies are varied and wide-ranging, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective diagnosis and management. We describe image-guided percutaneous (nonendoscopic) interventions in the management of pancreatic disease, with emphasis on inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic pathologies and on the transplanted pancreas. Image-guided treatments for the complications of pancreatitis include percutaneous interventions on simple and complex peripancreatic collections, pseudocysts, and fistulas. Vascular interventions predominantly focus on the treatment of pseudoaneurysms, hemorrhagic pseudocysts, and arteriovenous malformations. Emerging ablative techniques for pancreatic cancer are promising and include percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, irreversible electroporation, and electrochemotherapy. Image-guided interventions on the transplanted pancreas commonly include percutaneous biopsy and drainage in addition to endovascular treatments of vascular complications.
Missing regions within the molecular architecture of human fibrin clots structurally resolved by XL-MS and integrative structural modeling
Authors: Klykov Oleg , van der Zwaan Carmen , Heck Albert J. R. , Meijer Alexander B. , Scheltema Richard A.
Published: January 2020

Upon activation, fibrinogen forms large fibrin biopolymers that coalesce into clots which assist in wound healing. Limited insights into their molecular architecture, due to the sheer size and the insoluble character of fibrin clots, have restricted our ability to develop novel treatments for clotting diseases. The, so far resolved, disparate structural details have provided insights into linear elongation; however, molecular details like the C-terminal domain of the α-chain, the heparin-binding domain on the β-chain, and other functional domains remain elusive. To illuminate these dark areas, we applied cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to obtain biochemical evidence in the form of over 300 distance constraints and combined this with structural modeling. These restraints additionally define the interaction network of the clots and provide molecular details for the interaction with human serum albumin (HSA). We were able to construct the structural models of the fibrinogen α-chain (excluding two highly flexible regions) and the N termini of the β-chain, confirm these models with known structural arrangements, and map how the structure laterally aggregates to form intricate lattices together with the γ-chain. We validate the final model by mapping mutations leading to impaired clot formation. From a list of 22 mutations, we uncovered structural features for all, including a crucial role for βArg’169 (UniProt: 196) in lateral aggregation. The resulting model can potentially serve for research on dysfibrinogenemia and amyloidosis as it provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of thrombosis and bleeding disorders related to fibrinogen variants. The structure is provided in the PDB-DEV repository (PDBDEV_00000030).
Contamination and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in marine sediments from Tahaddart estuary (NW of Morocco)
Authors: El Barjy Meryem , Maanan Mehdi , Maanan Mohamed , Salhi Fouad , Tnoumi Ali , Zourarah Bendahhou
Published: January 2020

The distribution, contamination status, and ecological risks of heavy metals in Tahaddart estuary were investigated. 24 surface sediment samples and two cores were collected and analyzed for major (Al and Fe), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and grain size composition.
The heavy metals assessment was carried out using different environmental indices. The results indicated that the spatial distribution patterns of Al, Fe, and Zn were mainly determined by the distribution of the finer grained fraction (<63 μm) in the sediment. In contrast, As,
Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations were controlled by anthropogenic activities (vehicular traffic from Highway Bridge and thermal power plant). The distribution of heavy metals in sediment cores showed an upward enrichment in heavy metals with high concentration found in the uppermost may
related to the increasing in human activities. The pollution indexes confirmed that the Tahaddart estuary sediment was considerably to high contaminated by heavy metals near to different anthropogenic inputs. Similarly, the potential ecological risk index and the biological risk index present
21% probability of toxicity posing potential risk to the aquatic organisms. These results provide basic information that can be used to protect and improve the quality of this ecosystem.
Experimental research regarding the tribological properties of a hydraulic oil
Authors: Haragâş S , Pop D , Cristea F , Buiga O
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the results of the interesting experimental research regarding the influence of the additives over a hydraulic oil i.e. HFE46 (produced by ChemTrend [10]). In this vein, were used two types of additives (resulting two variants of oils denoted as sample C and D respectively) and was carried out a gravimetric determination (using the Timken test) analysing the hydraulic oils lubricating proprieties. Also, measurements regarding the vibrations in the tribotechnical system-TTS were conducted.
Preliminary results on nano-diamond and nano-graphite testing as additive for an engine lubrication oil
Authors: Moldovanu D , Molea A , Barabás I
Published: January 2020

An important amount of the fuel energy burned in an internal combustion engine is used to overcome the friction losses inside the engine. Developing advanced lubricants is one of the ways to improve the fuel efficiency and reducing the pollution caused by internal combustion engines. This paper presents tests done with 1% v/v nano-diamond and nano-graphite additives in engine oils, with bench tests on an air-cooled spark ignition engine (Honda GX 160) with a displacement of 118 cubic centimeters. Using the raw lubrication oil laboratory, tests were done to determine the viscosity, density and viscosity index using an Anton Paar SVM 3000 viscometer in comparison to the oil with nano-diamond and nano-graphite additives. The tests also revealed an average reduction in fuel consumption of 21% for the single cylinder engine in case of the oil with additives, for the entire speed range of the engine, showing a decrease of the fuel efficiency as the speed increases. The temperature of the exhaust manifold, outer side of the cylinder and the temperature of the oil pan were measured. By adding nano-diamond and nano-graphite additives to the lubricant oil, tests have revealed a reduction of the temperature of the exhaust manifold (with 11%), temperature on the outer side of the cylinder was reduced with 21% showing a clear friction reduction within the cylinder and piston-rings assembly. The temperature of the oil pan was reduced with 20%, showing a general reduction of the lubricating oil temperature which means a substantial reduction of the friction losses.
Technological and structural analysis of Al2O3 40TiO2 coating deposited on a shaft sleeve of hydraulic pump
Authors: Cîrlan Paleu C , Istrate B , Paleu V , Munteanu C
Published: January 2020

In the last decades, mechanical engineering applications have extensive use in many subdomains. Many researchers have used Al2O3 40TiO2 (AMDRY6250) type coatings that have a wide use of plasma jets, significantly improving their wear, corrosion resistance and heat shock properties. It is especially used for hydraulic components such as pumps, impellers, and blowers. The performance of Al2O3 40TiO2 layer is conditioned by a number of technological parameters of deposition, powder granulation and deposition incidence angle. In the present study, the authors will make sequential depositions of Al2O3 40TiO2 on the surface of a material coming from a hydraulic system. Microstructural analysis of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) are performed both in the surface of the deposited material and in the section of the coated specimens, identifying the microstructure and the component phases. The authors highlighted the emergence of the “splat” type of formations that are specific to the ceramic coatings in the deposited layers and a good adhesion to the base material authorizing the use of this powder in the reconditioning of the hydraulic systems.
Friction and wear resistance of Al2O3 40TiO2 (AMDRY 6250) coating of a pump shaft sleeve bearing
Authors: Paleu V , Cîrlan Paleu C , Istrate B , Bhaumik S , Munteanu C
Published: January 2020

The equipment of wastewater treatment plants is continuously subjected to different kinds of wear, as corrosion, abrasion, cavitation, erosion etc. The most affected components are those of slurry pumps, the slurry producing intense abrasive wear. The service life of pumps (wear rings, sealing, bearings, impellers, and casings) can considerably be extended by proper coating. Before the implementation of a new coating in equipment, its friction and wear behaviour must be determined beside corrosion resistance. This paper presents the results of friction tests carried out on AMSLER machine. The tribological pair was composed by Al2O3 40TiO2 (AMDRY 6250) coating deposited on substrate of a pump shaft sleeve running against a rolling bearing steel disk in dry lubrication conditions. The experimental results are compared against those obtained for uncoated steel.
Delirium at the end of life
Authors: Agar Meera R
Published: January 2020

Delirium is highly prevalent in people with advanced life limiting illness(es), and current evidence can inform how we provide best delirium care in this setting. Whilst strategies to prevent and reverse delirium are the cornerstones of optimal care, the care for delirious patients who are approaching the end of life and their families pose specific challenges particularly if delirium is refractory flagging a grave prognosis. These include addressing additional supportive care needs, clinical decision-making about the degree of investigation and intervention, minimising distress from the symptoms of delirium itself and considering other concurrent problems contributing to agitation. A fine balance is needed to address other symptoms such as pain whilst minimizing psychoactive medication load. There is need for regular and clear information and communication about prognosis and goals of care. Witnessing a delirium episode in a loved one in close proximity to death requires consideration of the needs of the family into bereavement care.

Palliative care is person and family-centred care provided for a person with an active, progressive, advanced disease; who has little or no prospect of cure and who is expected to die, and for whom the primary treatment goal is to optimise quality of life. It is an approach which can be provided regardless of setting and diagnosis, and by both specialist palliative care teams and other health professionals.
PAX2 variant associated with bilateral kidney agenesis and broad intrafamilial disease variability
Authors: Rasmussen Maria , Nielsen Marlene Louise , Manak J Robert , Mogensen Helle , Lildballe Dorte L
Published: January 2020

Pathogenic variants in PAX2 have previously been associated with renal coloboma syndrome. Here we present a novel variant c.68T>C associated with bilateral kidney agenesis, minimal change nephropathy, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, duplex kidney with hydronephrosis of upper pole system and bilateral kidney hypoplasia within the same family. Additionally, two family members were found to have optic nerve abnormalities further supporting the impact of the PAX2 variant. This is the first report of a PAX2 variant associated with bilateral kidney agenesis.
Non-extraction HPLC method for simultaneous measurement of dyphylline and doxofylline in serum
Authors: Tagliaro F , Dorizzi R , Frigerio A , Marigo M
Published: January 2020

A direct injection HPLC method for the simultaneous measurement of dyphylline and doxofylline in serum is reported. Chromatography is carried out with a "Pinkerton" internal surface reversed-phase column and phosphate buffer (0.1 mol/L, pH 6.8) as mobile phase. Absorbance at 275 nm is monitored. Only 10 microL of serum is required to detect less than 1 mg of each drug per liter in biological samples. The standard curve for the method is linear over the range 6-100 mg/L, and precision is acceptable for both drugs, with CVs of 2% and 1.5% for respective concentrations of 6.2 and 25 mg/L. None of the 76 drugs tested for interference affected the measurement of either drug. Four samples can be injected per hour. This method provides a fast, accurate way to monitor two interesting therapeutic agents used in chronic obstructive airway diseases.
Three commercial polyclonal immunoassays for cyclosporine in whole blood compared: 1. Results with patients' specimens
Authors: Strassman M J , Lensmeyer G L , Wiebe D A , Carlson I H
Published: January 2020

We assessed the performance of three commercially available polyclonal immunoassays for apparent cyclosporine in 120 whole-blood specimens collected from transplant recipients just before their next dose of cyclosporine (CsA). The assays were (a) Abbott's TDx fluorescent polarization immunoassay for CsA and its metabolites in whole blood; (b) the Sandoz radioimmunoassay (RIA); and (c) Incstar's Cyclo-Trac RIA. Mean respective CVs were 3.8%, 9.3%, and 24.3%. Analytical recovery was nearly 100% for concentrations up to 1000 micrograms/L for Incstar and up to 1500 micrograms/L for Abbott and Sandoz; linearity was compromised at greater concentrations. We also quantified the parent CsA concentrations by HPLC. Moreover, to follow day-to-day fluctuations in patients' "cyclosporine" concentrations with each method and to assess the impact these differences have on interpretation of the analytical results, we assayed serial specimens from six post-transplant patients. These showed significantly dissimilar, but parallel, results among the methods for any single sample. Occasionally, however, a result would not fit the established trend. Biases observed among the assays can be explained in part by the nonspecific antisera cross-reacting with CsA metabolites. Most important, we demonstrate that patients' results are not reliably interchangeable among the methods.
Revision of the oral glucose tolerance test: a pilot study
Authors: Schwartz J G , Phillips W T , Aghebat-Khairy B
Published: January 2020

Nausea and vomiting have been recurrent problems with the oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) used to diagnose diabetes. We believe the nausea is associated with delayed gastric emptying caused by the high osmolarity of the glucose solution. In our pilot study, both the "standard" 100-g glucose OGTT and our new modified (lower osmolar) glucose solution were evaluated. Considerably delayed gastric emptying (along with severe nausea) was consistently noted with the standard OGTT. No nausea and a much more rapid gastric emptying time were recorded when the modified glucose solution was administered. We were able to diagnose diabetes (by using Wilkerson's point system) when our modified OGTT was administered to type 2 diabetics. We plan to develop a more physiological, more reproducible, and better tolerated OGTT to diagnose diabetes more accurately in the general population.
Cerebrospinal fluid lipoperoxides quantified by liquid chromatography, and determination of reference values
Authors: Knight J A , McClellan L , Staheli J K
Published: January 2020

Cerebrospinal fluid lipoperoxides, measured as the malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid (MDA-TBA) adduct, were quantified by adapting the plasma liquid-chromatographic method of Wong et al. (Clin Chem 1987;33:214-20) to cerebrospinal fluid. Reference values for spinal fluid specimens from 91 adults, ages 17 to 95 y, and 37 children, ages 8 d to 8 y, were determined. Their concentrations were not significantly different (P = 0.222), adults having a mean (and SD) of 0.11 (0.06) mumol and children 0.10 (0.04) mumol of MDA per liter. Their ranges were 0.02-0.26 and 0.04-0.21 mumol of MDA per liter, respectively. We found concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid to be increased in several central nervous system disorders, including seizures, cerebral infarction, alcoholic encephalopathy, and, perhaps, prematurity. The presence of other thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in cerebrospinal fluid stresses the importance of using highly specific techniques when lipoperoxides are measured in body fluids.
Evidence for interaction of human anti-idiotypic antibodies with CA 125 determination in a patient after radioimmunodetection
Authors: Reinsberg J , Heydweiller A , Wagner U , Pfeil K , Oehr P , Krebs D
Published: January 2020

Very high concentrations of CA 125 have been found in some ovarian cancer patients after repeated radioimmunodetection with anti-CA 125 antibodies [OC125-F(ab')2]. In one patient we measured a CA 125 concentration of 135,000 kilo-arb. units/L, using an enzyme immunoassay involving OC125 antibodies. With an immunoradiometric assay involving use of two new anti-CA 125 antibodies (B43.13 and B27.1), the CA 125 concentration was 34 kilo-arb. units/L, indicating a discrepancy. The component responsible for the high result in the enzyme immunoassay could be purified by immunoaffinity chromatography on Protein A-Sepharose. Furthermore this component bound to anti-human IgG-Sepharose in the same manner as did the serum IgG fraction. Adsorption of human anti-mouse antibodies present in the serum did not decrease the CA-125-like material. Binding of whole OC125 antibodies to the purified CA-125-like material was inhibited completely in the presence of CA 125 antigen. We infer that the false-positive CA 125 activity is ascribable to a human IgG directed against an idiotope of the OC125 antibody, which was induced by repeated application of OC125 antibodies. To avoid falsely positive results in patients receiving OC125 antibodies, CA 125 should be measured by an assay in which other antibodies are used.
Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction at a young age
Authors: Sandkamp M , Funke H , Schulte H , Köhler E , Assmann G
Published: January 2020

We quantified lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] immunochemically in young (less than 46 y) male survivors of myocardial infarction and in age-matched controls recruited from participants of the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) study. We further determined apolipoprotein E polymorphism and measured triglycerides, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL), and apolipoproteins AI, AII, and B in the serum of these subjects. Lp(a) concentrations in serum were not correlated with other well-recognized risk factors for early myocardial infarction such as apolipoproteins AI and B, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. Apolipoprotein E polymorphism did not affect Lp(a) concentrations, but had a major influence on apolipoprotein B concentration. Lp(a) concentrations were not influenced by age. Our data suggest that (a) an increased concentration of Lp(a) constitutes an independent risk factor for early myocardial infarction and (b) the concentrations of Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol (apolipoprotein B) in serum are under separate metabolic control.
Calculated values for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the assessment of lipid abnormalities and coronary disease risk
Authors: McNamara J R , Cohn J S , Wilson P W , Schaefer E J
Published: January 2020

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations are most commonly estimated by the formula LDL cholesterol = total cholesterol - [triglycerides (TG)/5 + high-density lipoprotein cholesterol], although alternative factors such as TG/6 have also been used. Using standardized, automated, enzymatic lipid assays, we analyzed 4797 plasma samples from normal and dyslipidemic adults, to compare LDL cholesterol concentrations obtained after ultracentrifugation with those calculated by several such methods (i.e., TG/4-TG/8). or TG concentrations less than or equal to 0.50 g/L, TG/4 agreed best with the direct assay; for TG of 0.51-2.00 g/L, TG/4.5 was best; and for TG of 2.01-4.00 g/L, TG/5 was best. Differences in estimated values were generally small, however. At TG greater than 4.00 g/L, none of the factors tested allowed a reliable estimate of LDL cholesterol. When TG were less than or equal to 4.00 g/L, 86% of estimated LDL cholesterol values were properly classified according to National Cholesterol Education Program cutpoints when the factor TG/5 was used. We conclude that a convenient direct method for measuring LDL cholesterol is needed but, until one is available, use of the factor TG/5 will assure that most individuals with TG less than or equal to 4.00 g/L, as measured in a standardized laboratory, can be reasonably well classified for risk of coronary artery disease.