bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagery‐induced negative affect, social touch and frontal EEG power band activity
Authors: Kraus Jakub , Roman Robert , Lacinová Lenka , Lamoš Martin , Brázdil Milan , Fredrikson Mats
Published: June 2020

Social touch seems to modulate emotions, but its brain correlates are poorly understood. Here, we investigated if frontal power band activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) during aversive mental imagery is modulated by social touch from one’s romantic partner and a stranger. We observed the highest theta and beta power when imaging alone, next so when being touched by a stranger, with lowest theta and beta activity during holding hands with the loved one. Delta power was higher when being alone than with a stranger or a partner, with no difference between the two. Gamma power was highest during the stranger condition and lower both when being alone and with the partner, while alpha power did not change as a function of social touch. Theta power displayed a positive correlation with electrodermal activity supporting its relation to emotional arousal. Attachment style modulated the effect of touch on the EEG as only secure but not insecure partner bonding was associated with theta power reductions. Because theta power was sensitive to the experimental perturbations, mapped onto peripheral physiological arousal and reflected partner attachment style we suggest that frontal theta power might serve as an EEG derived bio‐marker for social touch in emotionally significant dyads.
Validation of tiger beetles as distinct family (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), review and reclassification of tribal relationships
Authors: Duran Daniel P. , Gough Harlan M.
Published: June 2020

The higher‐level taxonomy of tiger beetles is re‐evaluated in light of recent publications based on large taxon sets and a large number of genetic loci. These studies have demonstrated that tiger beetles are a distinct family, Cicindelidae Latreille, sister to the Carabidae Latreille (ground beetles) or Trachypachidae Thomson (false ground beetles) + Carabidae. Recent phylogenies have also recovered consistent patterns in higher‐level relationships within the tiger beetles that challenge the traditional taxonomic framework, most of which is more than a century old. These phylogenetic results are reviewed along with concordant morphological characters to create an updated higher‐level classification. The subfamily Collyrinae Csiki is not supported by any modern data. We recognize six tribes, Manticorini Laporte (new sense), Megacephalini Laporte (new sense), Collyridini Brullé, Ctenostomatini Laporte, Cicindelini Latreille and the reinstated Oxycheilini Chaudoir (with emended spelling).
Heart transplant recipient patient with COVID‐19 treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Mattioli Massimo , Fustini Elisa , Gennarini Silvia
Published: June 2020

A heart transplant 62‐year‐old patient referred for coronavirus‐19 disease (COVID‐19) pneumonia. At admission, he was febrile, tachypnoeic, and mild hypoxic with dry cough; during hospitalization, a diffuse morbilliform skin rash appeared. He was treated with tocilizumab with symptoms improvement, without a complete pulmonary function recovery. Skin rash, highly suggestive for COVID‐19 cutaneous involvement, persisted for ten days despite tocilizumab administration.
AtHsc70‐1 negatively regulates the basal heat tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana through affecting the activity of HsfAs and Hsp101
Authors: Tiwari Lalit D. , Khungar Lisha , Grover Anil
Published: June 2020

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperones are highly conserved and essential proteins with diverse cellular functions, including plant abiotic stress tolerance. Hsp70 proteins have been linked with basal heat tolerance in plants. Hsp101 likewise is an important chaperone protein that plays a critical role in heat tolerance in plants. We observed that Arabidopsis hsc70‐1 mutant seedlings show elevated basal heat tolerance compared with wild‐type. Over‐expression of Hsc70‐1 resulted in increased heat sensitivity. Hsp101 transcript and protein levels were increased during non‐heat stress (HS) and post‐HS conditions in hsc70‐1 mutant seedlings. In contrast, Hsp101 was repressed in Hsc70‐1 over‐expressing plants after post‐HS conditions. Hsc70‐1 showed physical interaction with HsfA1d and HsfA1e protein in the cytosol under non‐HS conditions. In transient reporter gene analysis, HsfA1d, HsfA1e and HsfA2 showed transcriptional response on the Hsp101 promoter. HsfA1d and HsfA2 transcripts were at higher levels in hsc70‐1 mutant compared with wild‐type. We provide genetic evidence that Hsc70‐1 is a negative regulator affecting HsfA1d/A1e/A2 activators, which in turn regulate Hsp101 expression and basal thermotolerance.
Ultra‐high α‐linolenic acid accumulating developmental defective embryo was rescued by lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2
Authors: Yin Yongtai , Guo Zhenyi , Chen Kang , Tian Tian , Tan Jiajun , Chen Xinfeng , Chen Jing , Yang Bing , Tang Shuyan , Peng Kangfu , Liu Si , Liang Yu , Zhang Kai , Yu Longjiang , Li Maoteng
Published: June 2020

For decades, genetic engineering approaches to produce unusual fatty acids (UFAs) in crops has reached a bottleneck, including reduced seed oil production and seed vigor. Currently, plant models in the field of research are primarily used to investigate defects in oil production and seedling development, while the role of UFAs in embryonic developmental defects remains unknown. In this study, we developed a transgenic Arabidopsis plant model, in which the embryo exhibits severely wrinkled appearance owing to α‐linolenic acid (ALA) accumulation. RNA‐sequencing analysis in the defective embryo suggested that brassinosteroid synthesis, FA synthesis and photosynthesis were inhibited, while FA degradation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress were activated. Lipidomics analysis showed that ultra‐accumulated ALA is released from phosphatidylcholine as a free FA in cells, inducing severe endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we identified that overexpression of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2 rescued the defective phenotype. In the rescue line, the pool capacity of the Kennedy pathway was increased, and the esterification of ALA indirectly to triacylglycerol was enhanced to avoid stress. This study provides a plant model that aids in understanding the molecular mechanism of embryonic developmental defects and generates strategies to produce higher levels of UFAs.
A randomized, prospective, comparative trial of a variable‐angle versus fixed‐angle endoscope for exploratory thoracoscopy in canine cadavers
Authors: Diamond Danielle M. , Scharf Valery F. , Chiu King Wa , Hash Jonathan A. , Mathews Kyle G.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy of a variable‐angle endoscope (VAE) for canine thoracoscopic exploration to a traditional fixed‐angle endoscope (FAE).

Study design

Randomized, prospective, comparative study.

Sample population

Five fresh canine cadavers.

Methods

Twelve predetermined anatomical locations were labeled after median sternotomy in each cadaveric thorax. Two board‐certified veterinary surgeons performed thoracoscopic evaluation of each thorax using a fixed‐angle (30°) and a variable‐angle (0°‐120°) endoscope with and without lungs mechanically ventilated. The order of surgeon, lung ventilation, and endoscope were determined using a randomized block design. Time to visualize each anatomical location was compared for surgeon, endoscope, and lung ventilation status. Primary outcome measures were time to individual anatomical location, total simulated thoracoscopic exploration time, and ability to identify anatomical location within the designated time period.

Results

Lung ventilation (difference = 184 seconds, P = .015, 95% CI = 45‐342 seconds) and endoscope type (difference = 112 seconds, P = .029; 95% CI = 10‐213 seconds) had an effect on the cumulative time for complete thoracoscopic exploration. The VAE shortened the time to identify three of the 12 anatomical locations when controlling for the effects of lung ventilation. Use of the VAE did not improve time to identification for any locations compared to the FAE when lungs were not ventilated. The VAE facilitated significantly shorter cumulative thoracoscopic exploration time compared with the FAE. Failure to identify predetermined locations was more common with the FAE than with the VAE.

Conclusion

Use of a rigid VAE decreased cumulative thoracoscopic exploration time and provided an alternative to one‐lung ventilation for circumventing the visual impediments of lung ventilation.

Clinical significance

This cadaveric study provides evidence that one‐lung ventilation and use of a VAE may improve surgeon efficiency during exploratory thoracoscopy.
Farming for water; catchment management initiatives for reducing pesticides
Authors: Cooke Alexandra , Rettino Jodie , Flower Laura , Filby Katherine , Freer Adam
Published: June 2020

Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) schemes is increasingly being used to obtain and drive environmental improvements. This paper describes two PES schemes, designed by Severn Trent Water (STW) to manage metaldehyde; Farm to Tap, and Product Substitution. Data collected over three years of running the schemes indicate that they can reduce the mean metaldehyde concentration at the Water Treatment Works by up to 61%; however, in‐catchment concentrations are more variable. Participant usage and behavioural surveys identify that the majority of farmers will use multiple methods to manage their slug problem. Farmer initiatives developed where rewards are paid for metaldehyde reductions, regardless of the process(es) used (Farm to Tap), result in 12% more metaldehyde reduction than when product substitution is used alone. Going forward, catchment management is the long‐term, economic and sustainable option. Schemes like Farm to Tap and Product Substitution are crucial to achieve water quality improvements and wider environmental benefits.
Tribological Properties Improvement of Mo-Alloyed HfN Films With a High H/E Ratio at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Li Hang , Li Jianliang , Huang Jiewen , Kong Jian , Xiong Dangsheng
Published: June 2020

In this study, the Mo-alloyed HfN films were prepared by DC-magnetron sputtering and studied their tribological properties at 25–600 °C under dry friction conditions. The relationship between H/E value and tribological properties at elevated temperature was illustrated. A single solid-solution phase was formed for all Hf-Mo-N films which with an FCC structure, and the H/E and H3/E2 values are increased. The film with x = 0.56 obtained a lower friction coefficient (0.4) and wear-rate (1.23 × 10−6 mm3/N m) at room temperature. At elevated temperature, this film maintained high structure stability, meanwhile, a dense and continuous oxide layer with lubrication was formed and tightly covered on the worn surface, that it obtained a lower coefficients of friction and better wear resistance.
Friction and Wear Performance of Oleate-Based Esters With Two-, Three-, and Four-Branched Molecular Structure in Pure Form and Mixture
Authors: Zulfattah Z. M. , Zulkifli N. W. M. , Masjuki H. H. , Harith M. H. , Syahir A. Z. , Norain I. , Yusoff M. N. A. M. , Jamshaid M. , Arslan A.
Published: June 2020

This paper reports the optimization of base oils composition involving oleate-based bio-lubricant that results in minimal wear-scar diameter (WSD) and coefficient of friction (COF) using mixture technique (MT) with simplex-lattice design (SLD). The lubricants used were neopenthylglycol dioleate (NPGDO), trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO), and pentaerythritol etraoleate (PETO), which all are products of transesterification process between oleic acid and different types of alcohols becoming oleate ester. Fourball tester (FBT) was used to evaluate the resulting COF under ASTM-D4172 B testing procedure, while WSD was measured under an optical wear-scar measuring device. A second-order polynomial mathematical model was built and able to statistically predict the resulting WSD and COF of lubricant mixtures. In pure form, PETO exhibited the lowest COF with 0.06555 followed by NPGDO (+5.25%) and TMPTO (+16.97%). Meanwhile, NPGDO recorded the smallest WSD with 0.451 mm, followed by PETO (+4.04%) and TMPTO (+8.89%). Under SLD optimization technique, pure PETO was shown to give out the lowest COF; however, the lowest WSD was recorded by a mixture of 80.661 wt% PETO with 11.603 wt% TMPTO, and 7.736 wt% NPGDO resulting in 0.444 mm WSD; 5.53% lower wear than pure NPGDO.
A Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian Model for Sliding Inception of Elastic–Plastic Spherical Contact
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Etsion Izhak
Published: June 2020

Currently existing finite element (FE) Lagrangian models of elastic–plastic spherical contact are costly in terms of computing time to reach vanishing tangential stiffness at sliding inception. A coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) model with explicit dynamic analysis and power-law hardening is proposed to resolve this problem. The CEL model also avoids convergence problem caused by excessive distortion of elements in Lagrangian models. Static friction coefficient at sliding inception is investigated and compared with available experimental results. It is found that the proposed new CEL model is more efficient and accurate compared to previously published results of Lagrangian models.
Estimation of Pressure Drop of Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal Long Pipes Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Shadloo Mostafa Safdari , Rahmat Amin , Karimipour Arash , Wongwises Somchai
Published: June 2020

Gas–liquid two-phase flows through long pipelines are one of the most common cases found in chemical, oil, and gas industries. In contrast to the gas/Newtonian liquid systems, the pressure drop has rarely been investigated for two-phase gas/non-Newtonian liquid systems in pipe flows. In this regard, an artificial neural networks (ANNs) model is presented by employing a large number of experimental data to predict the pressure drop for a wide range of operating conditions, pipe diameters, and fluid characteristics. Utilizing a multiple-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) model, the predicted pressure drop is in a good agreement with the experimental results. In most cases, the deviation of the predicted pressure drop from the experimental data does not exceed 5%. It is observed that the MLPNN provides more accurate results for horizontal pipelines in comparison with other empirical correlations that are commonly used in industrial applications.
Experimental Study and Pore Network Modeling of Formation Damage Induced by Fines Migration in Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Han Xiaodong , Zhong Liguo , Liu Yigang , Fang Tao , Chen Cunliang
Published: June 2020

Fine migration is always considered as one of the major mechanisms that are responsible for formation damage. The unwanted reduction of reservoir permeability would result in the decline of water injection and consequent oil production, especially for the unconsolidated sandstone reservoir. For better understanding, the mechanisms of formation damage in pore-scale, a new three-dimensional pore-scale network model (PNM) is proposed and developed to simulate formation damage caused by particle detachment, migration, and capture in pore throats based on force analysis. Experiments are also conducted on the formation damage characteristics of an unconsolidated core. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are applied to understand the microscopic reservoir properties. The experimental results show that the studied core has a strong flowrate sensitivity. A comparison between experimental results and PNM simulation results is conducted. The simulated results agree well with the experimental data, which approves the efficiency and accuracy of the PNM. Sensitivity analysis results show that larger particle sizes, higher flowrate, higher fluid viscosity, and lower ion concentration of the fluids would contribute to the formation damage, which could provide guidance for the development of unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs with strong sensitivity.
Membrane Distillation Desalination System With Gap Circulation and Cooling Using a Built-in Heat Exchanger
Authors: Khalifa Atia E.
Published: June 2020

A comprehensive experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the performance of a new flux-enhanced compact water gap membrane distillation (WGMD) module design with gap circulation and cooling for water desalination. The new design uses a separate circulation loop to circulate the gap water, and a built-in heat exchanger coil implanted inside the coolant stream channel for cooling the circulated gap water. The WGMD modules with circulation and with circulation and cooling are compared with conventional WGMD without circulation. Variations of distillate flux, temperatures, and energy consumption are presented at different design operating conditions. Circulation and cooling of the gap water greatly enhance the output flux due to gap water motion and increase the temperature difference between membrane surfaces. However, the enhancement in flux was achieved at the expense of energy consumption. Circulation and cooling of gap water are more effective with bigger gap widths. Feed flowrate showed significant effects with gap water circulation and cooling. The electrical specific energy consumption (SEC) showed the best value of 7.9 and 8.8 kWh/m3 at a feed temperature of 70 °C for both conventional WGMD and WGMD with circulation modules, while the best value of SEC for the WGMD module with gap circulation and cooling was 9.4 kWh/m3 at a feed temperature of 80 °C.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Jet Impingement Cooling for Improved Gas Turbine Blade Internal Cooling With In-Line and Staggered Nozzle Arrays
Authors: Salem Abdel Rahman , Nourin Farah Nazifa , Abousabae Mohammed , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: June 2020

Internal cooling of gas turbine blades is performed with the combination of impingement cooling and serpentine channels. Besides gas turbine blades, the other turbine components such as turbine guide vanes, rotor disks, and combustor wall can be cooled using jet impingement cooling. This study is focused on jet impingement cooling, in order to optimize the coolant flow, and provide the maximum amount of cooling using the minimum amount of coolant. The study compares between different nozzle configurations (in-line and staggered), two different Reynold's numbers (1500 and 2000), and different stand-off distances (Z/D) both experimentally and numerically. The Z/D considered are 3, 5, and 8. In jet impingement cooling, the jet of fluid strikes perpendicular to the target surface to be cooled with high velocity to dissipate the heat. The target surface is heated up by a direct current (DC) power source. The experimental results are obtained by means of thermal image processing of the captured infra-red (IR) thermal images of the target surface. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis were employed to predict the complex heat transfer and flow phenomena, primarily the line-averaged and area-averaged Nusselt number and the cross-flow effects. In the current investigation, the flow is confined along with the nozzle plate and two parallel surfaces forming a bi-directional channel (bi-directional exit). The results show a comparison between heat transfer enhancement with in-line and staggered nozzle arrays. It is observed that the peaks of the line-averaged Nusselt number (Nu) become less as the stand-off distance (Z/D) increases. It is also observed that the fluctuations in the stagnation heat transfer are caused by the impingement of the primary vortices originating from the jet nozzle exit.
Analytical Study to Use the Excess Digester Gas of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Nourin Farah Nazifa , Abbas Ahmad I. , Qandil Mohammad D. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: June 2020

This study presents an analytical method that can be used to enhance the power production rate and the energy-saving at wastewater treatment plants. The digester used at wastewater treatment plants produces digester gas by anaerobic digestion, with which biofuel production can be achieved. Biofuels can be used to meet some of the energy requirements of the wastewater treatment facility through combined heat and power (CHP) gas engines (cogeneration). Using micro gas turbine (MGT), a CHP technology can be introduced in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The combination of MGTs and absorption chillers is a promising technology as it produces electricity, heating, and cooling simultaneously. The study demonstrated how the waste heat of MGTs could be used to drive absorption chillers. In this analytical study, a detailed technical and economic analysis is provided on the trigeneration system, i.e., the integration of MGTs and absorption chillers driven by waste digester gas of the wastewater treatment plants. It can meet the heating and cooling demands of the plants, which promote the reduction of utility costs. The technology presented is also useful for other thermal energy users.
Development of Viscosified Acid-Surfactant Solutions for Oilfield Applications: Rheological Properties
Authors: Fogang Lionel Talley , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Viscosified acids are desired in several oilfield applications such as in acid diversion and acid fracturing operations. The study aimed to delineate the rheological properties of a novel amine type surfactant and viscosified acid-surfactant solutions. The steady shear and dynamic rheological properties were evaluated by varying the surfactant, acid, and salt concentration. Such a study is required to gauge the suitability of the viscosifying agent in acid stimulation jobs. The surfactant solutions without acid showed shear-thinning behavior, whereas those with acid showed a Newtonian plateau over a wide shear rate range before undergoing shear thinning. This means that over a wide shear rate range, the acid-surfactant solutions become independent of applied shear. At low shear rates, the viscosity of the surfactant was higher compared with the surfactant-acid solution. However, at high shear rates, the viscosity of the surfactant was lower compared with the viscosity of the surfactant-acid solution. There was an optimal salt concentration that improved the viscosity and elasticity of the acid-surfactant solutions. Thus, the rheology of the surfactant solution can be improved by adding both acid and salt. The elastic properties of acid-surfactant solutions were also better compared with the elastic properties of pure surfactant. The addition of acid improved the elastic properties of the surfactant solutions. Constant viscosity over a range of shear rate is a suitable application for acid fracturing operations in which the acid leak-off will be minimal due to the high viscosity. Also, brines in most of the carbonate formation consist of high loading of calcium chloride which was found to have a positive effect on the viscosity. Increasing the calcium chloride leads to an increase in viscosity, and then subsequently decreases the viscosity. This shows that the acid and salt concentration plays a role in modifying the rheological properties of the surfactant solutions.
Comparison of Model Predictions and Performance Test Data for a Prototype Thermal Energy Storage Module
Authors: Helmns Dre , Carey Van P. , Kumar Navin , Banerjee Debjyoti , Muley Arun , Stoia Michael
Published: June 2020

Although model predictions of thermal energy storage (TES) performance have been explored in previous investigations, relevant test data that enable experimental validation of performance models have been limited. This is particularly true for high-performance TES designs that facilitate fast input and extraction of energy. In this paper, we present a summary of experimental tests of a high-performance TES unit using lithium nitrate trihydrate phase change material as a storage medium. Performance data are presented for complete dual-mode cycles consisting of extraction (melting) followed by charging (freezing). These tests simulate the cyclic operation of a TES unit for asynchronous cooling in a variety of applications. The model analysis is found to agree reasonably well, within 10%, with the experimental data except for conditions very near the initiation of freezing, a consequence of subcooling that is required to initiate solidification.
Evaluating the Effect of Vane Trailing Edge Flow on Turbine Rim Sealing
Authors: Monge-Concepción Iván , Berdanier Reid A. , Barringer Michael D. , Thole Karen A. , Robak Christopher
Published: June 2020

Modern gas turbine development continues to move toward increased overall efficiency, driven in part by higher firing temperatures that point to a need for more cooling air to prevent catastrophic component failure. However, using additional cooling flow bled from the upstream compressor causes a corresponding detriment to overall efficiency. A primary candidate for cooling flow optimization is purge flow, which contributes to sealing the stator–rotor cavity and prevents ingestion of hot main gas path (MGP) flow into the wheelspace. Previous research has identified that the external main gas path flow physics play a significant role in driving rim seal ingestion. However, the potential impact of other cooling flow features on ingestion behavior, such as vane trailing edge (VTE) flow, is absent in the open literature. This paper presents experimental measurements of rim cavity cooling effectiveness collected from a one-stage turbine operating at engine-representative Reynolds and Mach numbers. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was used as a tracer gas in both the purge flow and vane trailing edge flow to investigate flow migration into and out of the wheelspace. Results show that the vane trailing edge flow does in fact migrate into the rim seal and that there is a superposition relationship between individual cooling flow contributions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) were used to confirm VTE flow ingestion into the rim seal cavity. Radial and circumferential traverse surveys were performed to quantify cooling flow radial migration through the main gas path with and without vane trailing edge flow. The surveys confirmed that vane trailing edge flow is entrained into the wheelspace as purge flow is reduced. Local CO2 measurements also confirmed the presence of VTE flow deep in the wheelspace cavity.
Microstructural and chemical analysis of polycrystalline LiNbO3 films obtained by room-temperature RF sputtering after various annealing durations
Authors: Sauze Laura C. , Vaxelaire Nicolas , Rouchon Denis , Pierre François , Templier Roselyne , Remiens Denis , Rodriguez Guillaume
Published: June 2020

The development of materials for industrial applications is in constant evolution. Regarding environmental or health laws, the use of some materials is restricted (lead-based). In this context, lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is studied in order to develop the performances of the RF (radio frequency) applications (for instance, filters using the bulk acoustic wave or surface acoustic wave technology). The deposition of LiNbO3 is mainly performed by chemical or physical vapor deposition and solgel techniques, resulting in polycrystalline films with or without a preferred orientation. For RF applications, LiNbO3 films need to be highly textured with a preferred orientation among the (006) plane in order to maximize the electrical response. In the present work, 150 nm thick LiNbO3 films were grown by RF sputtering at room temperature on Si substrates with native SiO2. The films were annealed at 950 °C, with an original process, for various durations. Polycrystalline yet (006) preferentially oriented LiNbO3 films were obtained on silicon. The properties of the as-deposited and annealed films were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The annealing treatment effect was highlighted by symmetric XRD analysis. The adhesion of the films is confirmed by SEM analysis. The diffusion profile of Li was characterized by SIMS and XPS analyses. This process, mainly based on a specific annealing treatment, leads to the synthesis of nearly stoichiometric LiNbO3 on silicon, and the effect of the thermal treatment on the texture of the film is highlighted.
Causes of anisotropy in thermal atomic layer etching of nanostructures
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Routzahn Aaron , Wen Sandy , Lill Thorsten
Published: June 2020

In this work, the authors have investigated the dependence of the anisotropy level in an atomic layer etching (ALE) process of Al2O3 on form factor constraints when the ALE process involves etching in non-line-of-sight locations beneath a silicon nitride mask. In the experiments described here, thermal etching of Al2O3 without the use of any direction-inducing plasma components was explored utilizing the well characterized hydrogen fluoride/dimethyl-aluminum-chloride atomic layer etching process. The degree of anisotropy was quantified by measuring the ratio of lateral etch rate of this process in comparison to the vertical etch rate as a function of process step time inside 60 nm holes of aluminum oxide. Inside these holes, the authors determined that the horizontal etch rates slowed to an amount of 19% compared to the vertical rate when short process times were used. For process times operating in the saturation mode of the ALE process, horizontal etch rates per cycle could be sped up to 71% of the vertical rate but never reached parity with the latter. The authors propose a simple mechanism for explaining the anisotropy dependence on process step time and applied a reduced-order algorithm to model it. In this model, the authors introduced fitting parameters for surface modification depths and reaction times to match the experimentally found etch results. Conclusions could be drawn regarding topological hindrance or tortuosity for reactants to reach surfaces in shaded areas under the mask and for reaction by-products to escape from these locations and the impact on etch rate. In addition, the authors recognize that this mechanism could explain the unwanted depth dependence of the etch rate per cycle in high aspect ratio structures.
Biometric and sexual dimorphism variation of Hydromedusa tectifera in Brazil
Authors: Lucas Priscila da Silva , Lima Júlio César dos Santos , Costa Aline Saturnino , Silveira Melise Lucas , Bager Alex
Published: June 2020

Body size has a strong influence on the ecology and evolution of organisms’ life history. Turtle species can exhibit variation in body size and shape between populations of conspecifics through usually broad geographical scales. This prediction is timely to be tested in this study with the species Hydromedusa tectifera. We aimed to evaluate the variation in body size between and sexual dimorphism within populations of H. tectifera in two areas in Brazil. Sampling occurred in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul states in order to obtain morphometric measures of carapace and plastron of the individuals. We observed sexual dimorphism within populations. In Rio Grande do Sul state, females were larger than males in most of the carapace and plastron measures. In Minas Gerais state, males were larger than females regarding maximum carapace width. Overall, individuals from Rio Grande do Sul state were larger than those from Minas Gerais state. We discuss possible factors that might cause variation in morphology within and between populations of conspecifics. Research on morphology is encouraged to facilitate comparisons among populations in geographically broad areas.
A wide dataset of ear shapes and pinna-related transfer functions generated by random ear drawings
Authors: Guezenoc Corentin , Séguier Renaud
Published: June 2020

Head-related transfer function individualization is a key matter in binaural synthesis. However, currently available databases are limited in size compared to the high dimensionality of the data. In this paper, the process of generating a synthetic dataset of 1000 ear shapes and matching sets of pinna-related transfer functions (PRTFs), named WiDESPREaD (wide dataset of ear shapes and pinna-related transfer functions obtained by random ear drawings), is presented and made freely available to other researchers. Contributions in this article are threefold. First, from a proprietary dataset of 119 three-dimensional left-ear scans, a matching dataset of PRTFs was built by performing fast-multipole boundary element method (FM-BEM) calculations. Second, the underlying geometry of each type of high-dimensional data was investigated using principal component analysis. It was found that this linear machine-learning technique performs better at modeling and reducing data dimensionality on ear shapes than on matching PRTF sets. Third, based on these findings, a method was devised to generate an arbitrarily large synthetic database of PRTF sets that relies on the random drawing of ear shapes and subsequent FM-BEM computations.
Supplemental Material: The amalgamation of Pangea: Paleomagnetic and geological observations revisited
Authors: Wu Lei , al. et
Published: June 2020

Data to replicate our tectonic reconstruction model.
Variations in patterns of care across neonatal units and their associations with outcomes in very preterm infants: the French EPIPAGE-2 cohort study
Authors: Pierrat Veronique , Burguet Antoine , Marchand-Martin Laetitia , Cambonie Gilles , Coquelin Anaëlle , Roze JC , Durox Melanie , Guillois Bernard , Morgan Andrei S , Kaminski Monique
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To describe patterns of care for very preterm (VP) babies across neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and associations with outcomes.

Design

Prospective cohort study, EPIPAGE-2.

Setting

France, 2011.

Participants

53 (NICUs); 2135 VP neonates born at 27 to 31 weeks.

Outcome measures

Clusters of units, defined by the association of practices in five neonatal care domains – respiratory, cardiovascular, nutrition, pain management and neurodevelopmental care. Mortality at 2 years corrected age (CA) or severe/moderate neuro-motor or sensory disabilities and proportion of children with scores below threshold on the neurodevelopmental Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

Methods

Hierarchical cluster analysis to identify clusters of units. Comparison of outcomes between clusters, after adjustment for potential cofounders.

Results

Three clusters were identified: Cluster 1 with higher proportions of neonates free of mechanical ventilation at 24 hours of life, receiving early enteral feeding, and neurodevelopmental care practices (26 units; n=1118 babies); Cluster 2 with higher levels of patent ductus arteriosus and pain screening (11 units; n=398 babies); Cluster 3 with higher use of respiratory, cardiovascular and pain treatments (16 units; n=619 babies). No difference was observed between clusters for the baseline maternal and babies’ characteristics. No differences in outcomes were observed between Clusters 1 and 3. Compared with Cluster 1, mortality at 2 years CA or severe/moderate neuro-motor or sensory disabilities was lower in Cluster 2 (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.84) but with higher proportion of children with an ASQ below threshold (adjusted OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.08).

Conclusion

In French NICUs, care practices for VP babies were non-randomly associated. Differences between clusters were poorly explained by unit or population differences, but were associated with mortality and development at 2 years. Better understanding these variations may help to improve outcomes for VPT babies, as it is likely that some of these discrepancies are unwarranted.
How have predictors, moderators, mediators, treatment response, remission and resistance been defined and measured in randomised controlled trials for adolescent depression? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Courtney Darren , Watson Priya , Chan Benjamin W C , Bennett Kathryn J , Neprily Kirsten , Zentner Tabitha , Rodak Terri , Narrandes Renira , Szatmari Peter
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Among randomised controlled trials for depressed adolescents, the extent of variation in how depressive symptom outcomes are defined is unknown. The variability in which potential predictors of these outcomes are tested is also unclear. This paper is a protocol describing the methods of a planned scoping review. The scoping review will examine and summarise how change in depressive symptoms have been described in RCT treatment studies to date. This review will report the measures used to describe change in depressive symptoms and whether the measure was used as a continuous or binary outcome or both. This review will describe how dichotomous outcome terms are defined to describe change in depression severity. This review will also examine predictors, moderators and mediators of change in depressive symptoms within RCTs.

Methods and analysis

In this paper, we describe the protocol for our scoping review. Following the format outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews, a research librarian will develop an operationalised search strategy, which we will apply to the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. We will search for papers from inception to 6 February 2020. A hand search for key citations will also be conducted. Investigator-raters will screen articles, first via the titles and abstracts and then through full-text reviews. We will include articles with randomised control design which assess the treatment of adolescents with major depressive disorder. We will systematically extract and synthesise prespecified data which includes: definition of depression used for participant inclusion, measures used to evaluate changes in depression, type of outcome used (continuous, binary or both), definitions of dichotomous terms to denote change in depression (eg, response, remission, recovery, etc) and reported predictors/moderators/mediators of change.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. Findings will be presented in journal publications and at conferences.
Physiotherapists’ pain attitudes and beliefs towards chronic low back pain and their association with treatment selection: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alshehri Mansour Abdullah , Alzahrani Hosam , Alotaibi Mazyad , Alhowimel Ahmed , Khoja Omar
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to investigate physiotherapists’ pain attitudes and beliefs towardss non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and identify whether they are associated with treatment selection.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Saudi Arabia (SA).

Participants

An online survey was distributed to physiotherapists from April 2018 to January 2019.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

(1) Biomedical and biopsychosocial treatment orientations were assessed using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. (2) Frequent potential treatments used by physiotherapists for individuals with NSCLBP were identified through a 20-item survey. (3) The association between physiotherapists’ pain attitudes and beliefs and treatment selection was investigated. Descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyse the data using SPSS (V.26).

Results

A total of 304 responses were included in the analysis. The biomedical (34.45±7.84) and biopsychosocial (31.74±5.67) treatment orientations were relatively low. The most frequent treatments used by physiotherapists were home exercises (87.1%), patient education (82.0%), specific back exercises (80.6%), electrotherapy (61.9%), soft tissue release (58.8%) and spinal mobilisation or manipulation (57.8%). Physiotherapists with a stronger biomedical treatment orientation were more likely to use treatments (p<0.05) such as specific back exercises, electrotherapy, soft tissue release, hydrotherapy, massage, lumbar supports and acupuncture. However, physiotherapists with a stronger biopsychosocial treatment orientation were more likely to use cognitive functional therapy (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Biomedical and biopsychosocial treatment orientations were relatively low among physiotherapists in SA. Although treatments such as home exercises and patient education were frequently used, some passive and traditional treatments not recommended by clinical practice guidelines continue to be commonly used by physiotherapists in SA. This study has confirmed that physiotherapists’ pain attitudes and beliefs are significantly associated with treatment selection when managing individuals with NSCLBP.

Trial registration number

Researchregistry3944.
Community pharmacy-based study of adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
Authors: Capiau Andreas , Mehuys Els , Van Tongelen Inge , Christiaens Thierry , De Sutter An , Steurbaut Stephane , Moudallel Souad , Rydant Silas , Vrijens Bernard , de Backer Tine L M , Boussery Koen
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess implementation adherence (how well the patient’s actual intake matches the prescribed dosing regimen) to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and to explore experiences with and beliefs about NOACs in a real-world sample of long-term NOAC users.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in home-dwelling adults who started taking a NOAC at least 1 year prior to inclusion. Pharmacy dispensing data were used to calculate the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Patients were recruited in 158 community pharmacies in Flanders, Belgium. They completed a questionnaire collecting basic characteristics and exploring self-reported adherence to NOACs (using the Medication Adherence Report Scale, MARS) and experiences with and beliefs about NOACs (using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, BMQ).

Results

A total of 766 patients (mean age 76.2±8.8 years, median CHA2DS2-VASc score 4 (IQR=3–4)) were included. The majority (93.5%) used NOAC for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The median MPR was 95.2% (IQR=87.8–99.7) which corresponds with half of the study population not taking their NOAC on at least 17 cumulative days per year. Almost 21% of participants reported non-adherence on the MARS (score <25), with unintentional non-adherence (forgetfulness) most frequently reported (15.4%). Although two-thirds of NOAC users indicated to experience adverse drug reactions, the BMQ demonstrated a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy, where necessity beliefs outweigh the concerns.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that long-term NOAC users have high implementation adherence and a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy. However, taking into account patients’ thromboembolic risk and NOACs’ short half-lives, further optimisation of NOAC use seems warranted in this population.
Clinicopathological significance of CD47 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyunsung , Bang Seongsik , Jee Seungyun , Paik Seung Sam , Jang Kiseok
Published: June 2020

Aims

CD47 is upregulated on the surface of various tumour cells, and it is known to inhibit the phagocytosis of tumour cells by macrophages. Immunotherapy that targets CD47 has demonstrated success in preclinical trials and is now under clinical investigation for both solid and haematological malignancies. However, data regarding CD47 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and its correlation with clinical outcomes in patients with HCC remain limited. Here, we investigated the clinicopathological features associated with CD47 expression in HCC.

Methods

CD47 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray sections containing 166 HCC tissues. CD47 expression was considered positive if 10% or more tumour cells were stained.

Results

CD47 expression was observed in 36 (21.7%) of 166 HCC tissues and was significantly associated with frequent large vessel invasion, advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and higher Ki-67 proliferation index. In the survival analyses, CD47 expression was not associated with recurrence-free survival or overall survival in total patients with HCC. However, in patients who received surgical resection without any adjuvant treatment, CD47 expression was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival.

Conclusions

CD47 expression was significantly associated with adverse pathological features and poor clinical outcomes in patients with HCC who did not receive adjuvant treatment.
Loss of imprinting of the human-specific imprinted gene ZNF597 causes prenatal growth retardation and dysmorphic features: implications for phenotypic overlap with Silver-Russell syndrome
Authors: Yamazawa Kazuki , Inoue Takanobu , Sakemi Yoshihiro , Nakashima Toshinori , Yamashita Hironori , Khono Kaduki , Fujita Hideki , Enomoto Keisuke , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Kenichiro , Nakashima Moeko , Matsunaga Tatsuo , Nakamura Akie , Matsubara Keiko , Ogata Tsutomu , Kagami Masayo
Published: June 2020

Background

ZNF597, encoding a zinc-finger protein, is the human-specific maternally expressed imprinted gene located on 16p13.3. The parent-of-origin expression of ZNF597 is regulated by the ZNF597:TSS-DMR, of which only the paternal allele acquires methylation during postimplantation period. Overexpression of ZNF597 may contribute to some of the phenotypes associated with maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16 (UPD(16)mat), and some patients with UPD(16)mat presenting with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) phenotype have recently been reported.

Methods

A 6-year-old boy presented with prenatal growth restriction, macrocephaly at birth, forehead protrusion in infancy and clinodactyly of the fifth finger. Methylation, expression, microsatellite marker, single nucleotide polymorphism array and trio whole-exome sequencing analyses were conducted.

Results

Isolated hypomethylation of the ZNF597:TSS-DMR and subsequent loss of imprinting and overexpression of ZNF597 were confirmed in the patient. Epigenetic alterations, such as UPD including UPD(16)mat and other methylation defects, were excluded. Pathogenic sequence or copy number variants affecting his phenotypes were not identified, indicating that primary epimutation occurred postzygotically.

Conclusion

We report the first case of isolated ZNF597 imprinting defect, showing phenotypic overlap with SRS despite not satisfying the clinical SRS criteria. A novel imprinting disorder entity involving the ZNF597 imprinted domain can be speculated.