bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cellulose dissolution and encapsulation strategy to prepare carbon nanospheres with ultra-small size and high nitrogen content for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Fuping , Liu Liu , Chen Long , Shi Yulin
Published: May 2020

Space-confined pyrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to prepare ultra-small N-doped carbon nanospheres (NCNs) with high nitrogen content and superior ORR performance.
Graphene inclusion induced ultralow thermal conductivity and improved figure of merit in p-type SnSe
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Weiyao , Li Meng , Yang Guangsai , Nazrul Islam Sheik Md Kazi , Mitchell David R. G. , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Xiaolin
Published: May 2020

Polycrystalline SnSe sample with graphene embedded in realized the enhancement of phonon scattering and achieved ultralow thermal conductivity.
Platinum-carbon-integrated nanozymes for enhanced tumor photodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Daoming , Liu Ying , Jiang Bing , Jiang Wei , Yan Xiyun , Fan Kelong
Published: May 2020

Tumor hypoxia compromises the effects of photodynamic therapy that consumes oxygen in the therapeutic process.
Radical ring-opening polymerization of novel azlactone-functionalized vinyl cyclopropanes
Authors: Ho Hien The , Montembault Véronique , Rollet Marion , Aboudou Soioulata , Mabrouk Kamel , Pascual Sagrario , Fontaine Laurent , Gigmes Didier , Phan Trang N. T.
Published: May 2020

Synthesis of new azlactone-functionalized vinyl cyclopropane monomers, corresponding (co)polymers and their reactivity with an amine compound.
Multicolor luminescence and triple-mode emission of simple CaTiO3:Pr3+,Er3+particles for advanced anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Wang Zhenbin , Pei Pengxiang , Bai Dongjie , Zhao Shanshan , Ma Xinyu , Liu Weisheng
Published: May 2020

The multilevel anticounterfeiting QR code readily integrates the advantages of excitation wavelength-dependent PL emissions, a strong red afterglow and sensitive excitation power-dependent UCL emissions in one overall device.
Exciton-band tuning induced by the width of the cation in 2D lead iodide perovskite hybrids
Authors: Tremblay Marie-Hélène , Bacsa John , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R.
Published: May 2020

The Pb–I–Pb bond angle in 2D A2PbI4 perovskites, previously shown to be correlated to the exciton energy, can be tuned by changing the width of the organic A cation, at least within a limited series of compounds.
Vortex fluidic enabling and significantly boosting light intensity of graphene oxide with aggregation induced emission luminogen
Authors: Tavakoli Javad , Joseph Nikita , Chuah Clarence , Raston Colin L. , Tang Youhong
Published: May 2020

We have discovered a novel and cost-effective approach to produce GO/aggregation-induced emission demonstrating high fluorescent performance.
Mechanistic insights into the acetate-accelerated synthesis of crystalline ceria nanoparticles
Authors: Fisher Tamra J. , Choudhry Deepa , Derr Kaitlynn , Azadehranjbar Soodabeh , Stasko Dan , Cheung Chin Li
Published: May 2020

Lithium acetate was reported to accelerate the growth of crystalline ceria nanoparticles in ozone-mediated synthesis through promoting alcohol-like condensation reactions.
Synthetic non-classical luminescence generation by enhanced silica nanophotonics based on nano-bio-FRET
Authors: Salinas Carina , Amé María Valeria , Bracamonte A. Guillermo
Published: May 2020

Fluorescent silica nanophotonics for cyanobacteria labelling.
FeNi3 magnetic nanoparticles supported on ruthenium silicate-functionalized DFNS for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate
Authors: Abeadi Nader , Zhiani Rahele , Motavalizadehkakhky Alireza , Omidwar Maryam , Hosseiny Malihe Sadat
Published: May 2020

For aerobic oxidation, anchoring ruthenium(ii) in the nanospaces of magnetic dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) afforded a potential nanocatalyst (the complex FeNi3/DFNS/Ru(ii)), which showed enhanced activity.
Study on boron-containing electrolytes at extra-high temperatures for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Peng , Zhao Dongni , Wei Yuan , Han Yamin , Zeng Shuangwei , Wang Chao , Li Shiyou
Published: May 2020

The CEI film with substances containing B–O and organic component improves the cyclic stability of cells at extra-high temperature.
Thermodynamics and ordering kinetics in asymmetric PS-b-PMMA block copolymer thin films
Authors: Seguini Gabriele , Zanenga Fabio , Cannetti Gianluca , Perego Michele
Published: May 2020

The coupling between kinetics and thermodynamic driving force of standing cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA BCPs on flat and unpatterned surface is investigated following the time evolution of the correlation length at different annealing temperatures.
Identifying the electrocatalytic active sites of a Ru-based catalyst with high Faraday efficiency in CO2-saturated media for an aqueous Zn–CO2 system
Authors: Kim Jeongwon , Yang Yejin , Seong Arim , Noh Hyuk-Jun , Kim Changmin , Joo Sangwook , Cho Ara , Zhang Linjuan , Zhou Jing , Wang Jian-Qiang , Han Jeong Woo , Mahmood Javeed , Baek Jong-Beom , Kim Guntae
Published: May 2020

For the aqueous Zn–CO2 system, strongly embedded Ru nanoparticles on the substrate reveal the improved hydrogen generation activities for indirect CO2 utilization.
14N–1H HMQC solid-state NMR as a powerful tool to study amorphous formulations – an exemplary study of paclitaxel loaded polymer micelles
Authors: Grüne Marvin , Luxenhofer Robert , Iuga Dinu , Brown Steven P. , Pöppler Ann-Christin
Published: May 2020

14N–1H HMQC experiments are powerful experiments to characterize amorphous drug–polymer formulations of paclitaxel yielding well-separated signals in the 14N dimension as well as information on the symmetry of 14N and 14N–1H interactions.
USPIO–PEG nanoparticles functionalized with a highly specific collagen-binding peptide: a step towards MRI diagnosis of fibrosis
Authors: Belkahla Hanene , Antunes Joana C. , Lalatonne Yoann , Sainte Catherine Odile , Illoul Corinne , Journé Clément , Jandrot-Perrus Martine , Coradin Thibaud , Gigoux Véronique , Guenin Erwann , Motte Laurence , Helary Christophe
Published: May 2020

USPIO–PO–PEG–collagelin nanoparticles specifically target type I collagen and allow fibrosis detection at an early stage by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Fabrication of an injectable BMSC-laden double network hydrogel based on silk fibroin/PEG for cartilage repair
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Cao Yi , Zhang Liwei , Zhao Hongbo , Ni Tianyu , Liu Yuanshan , An Zhen , Liu Min , Pei Renjun
Published: May 2020

A fast-forming BMSC-encapsulated DN hydrogel with a fast gelation rate, good biocompatibility and strong mechanical strength was fabricated via ultrasonically induced SF and bioorthogonal reaction crosslinking.
Ubiquitome analysis reveals the involvement of lysine ubiquitination in the spermatogenesis process of adult buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis
Authors: Huang Yu-lin , Zhang Peng-fei , Hou Zhen , Fu Qiang , Li Ming-xing , Huang De-lun , Deng Ting-xian , Lu Yang-qing , Liang Xian-wei , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2020

Protein ubiquitination, a major and conserved post-translational modification, is known to play a critical regulatory role in many biological processes in eukaryotes. Although several ubiquitinated proteins have been found in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis in our previous studies, large-scale profiling of buffalo testis ubiquitome has not been reported to date. In the present study, we first identified a global profiling of lysine ubiquitination of adult buffalo testis using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS coupled with immune-affinity enrichment of ubiquitinated peptides. In total, 422 lysine ubiquitination sites were identified in 262 proteins in adult buffalo testis tissue. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the ubiquitinated proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes and diverse subcellular localizations. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein interaction network analysis indicated that proteasome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and gap junction pathways are modulated by protein ubiquitination in testis. Besides, 44 ubiquitinated proteins may involve in spermatogenesis according to the SpermatogenesisOnline database, of which, the ubiquitination of HSPA2 and UCHL1 were confirmed by Immunoprecipitation (IP)/Western blot analysis. Taken together, these data provide a global view of ubiquitome in buffalo testis for the first time, and serve as an important resource for exploring the physiological role especially spermatogenesis of lysine ubiquitination in testis in mammals.
NR2F2-AS1 accelerates cell proliferation through regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Dan , Huang Kejin , Wang Tiaojiao , Zhang Xufeng , Liu Wentao , Yue Xiaolong , Wu Jin
Published: May 2020

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in female. Increasing studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the development of multiple cancers. Although some studies have confirmed that lncRNA NR2F2 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) is a pro-cancer gene in many cancers, the molecular mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, our results revealed that NR2F2-AS1 expression was up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cells, notably in patients with advanced cervical cancer. NR2F2-AS1 accelerated progression of cervical cancer by facilitating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process, but inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, NR2F2-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-4429 and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 1 (MBD1) was a downstream target of miR-4429 in cervical cancer. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between miR-4429 expression and NR2F2-AS1 or MBD1 expression in tumor tissues. Rescue experiments confirmed that MBD1 overexpression partly rescued NR2F2-AS1 knockdown-mediated inhibition of progression in cervical cancer. To sum up, these results suggested the potential mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer and revealed that NR2F2-AS1 exerted its carcinogenic effect via regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis, indicating a promising insight into the therapeutic target of cervical cancer.
Comparison of the Effects of Two Cochlear Implant Fine Structure Coding Strategies on Speech Perception
Authors: Müller Verena , Klünter Heinz Dieter , Fürstenberg Dirk , Walger Martin , Lang-Roth Ruth
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of upgrading from the fine structure processing (FSP) coding strategy to the novel fine structure strategy “FS4” in adults in adults with cochlear implants manufactured by MED-EL GmbH (Innsbruck, Austria).

Method

A crossover, double-blinded study was conducted for 12 weeks. Twelve adult participants were randomly assigned to two groups. During the first 6-week test interval, one group continued to use their everyday FSP strategy, whereas the other group was upgraded to the FS4 strategy. In the second 6-week interval, the two groups switched coding strategies. Speech perception was measured at the end of each test interval with the Oldenburg Sentence Test and the Göttingen Sentence Test. Participants completed the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale at the end of each test interval and a simple preference test at the end of the study.

Results

There was no significant difference in speech perception test results obtained with the Oldenburg Sentence Test and the Göttingen Sentence Test, neither in quiet nor in noise. Participants' Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale self-evaluation and preference test results showed that the two coding strategies had similar effects on their hearing perception. No clear preference for either of the strategies was found.

Conclusions

Speech perception test results and the participants' level of satisfaction were similar for the two FS coding strategies. Despite differences in the presentation of temporal fine structure between FSP and FS4, a clear benefit of the newer FS4 strategy could not be shown.
Fault diagnosis of the bushing infrared images based on mask R‐CNN and improved PCNN joint algorithm
Authors: Jiang Jun , Bie Yifan , Li Jiansheng , Yang Xiaoping , Ma Guoming , Lu Yuncai , Zhang Chaohai
Published: May 2020

Bushings are served as an important component of the power transformers; it's of great significance to keep the bushings in good insulation condition. The infrared images of the bushing are proposed to diagnose the fault with the combination of image segmentation and deep learning, including object detection, fault region extraction, and fault diagnosis. By building an object detection system with the frame of Mask Region convolutional neural network (CNN), the bushing frame can be exactly extracted. To distinguish the fault region of bushings and the background, a simple linear iterative clustering‐based pulse coupled neural network is proposed to improve the fault region segmentation performance. Then, two infrared image feature parameters, the relative position and area, are explored to classify fault type effectively based on the K‐means cluster technique. With the proposed joint algorithm on bushing infrared images, the accuracy reaches 98%, compared with 44% by the conventional CNN classification method. The integrated algorithm provides a feasible and advantageous solution for the field application of bushing image‐based diagnosis.
Data‐driven framework for the prediction of cutting force in turning
Authors: Chatterjee Kaustabh , Zhang Jian , Dixit Uday Shanker
Published: May 2020

Cutting force is one of the most important parameters for assessing power consumption and tool wear. This work attempts to utilise the concept of data analytics for collecting and building a data warehouse in a cloud‐based platform called Central Database Repository (CDR), which can share the information about the machining forces in turning operations directly to the process planner or shop floor operator. The estimation of cutting force is accomplished based on the input of process parameters. CDR uses multiple‐linear regression on the data collected and stored in the data bank. Uncertainties in machining operations are taken care of in a separate cloud‐based platform known as mini‐repository. This study estimates the interval of cutting force with a certain level of confidence and a new concept of dynamic reliability is attached to it. The information from the CDR can be accessed from anywhere across the globe. There is a provision to update the database based on the feedback and filter out unnecessary data by evaluating Cook's distance. The proposed framework is explained through illustrative case studies.
Decoupling control based on linear/non‐linear active disturbance rejection switching for three‐degree‐of‐freedom six‐pole active magnetic bearing
Authors: Zhu Huangqiu , Wang Shaoshuai
Published: May 2020

In order to decouple the three‐degree‐of‐freedom six‐pole active magnetic bearing (3‐DOF 6‐pole AMB) with strong couplings, non‐linear and multivariable, an linear/non‐linear active disturbance rejection switching control (L/NL‐ADRSC) strategy is put forward. Firstly, the configuration of the 3‐DOF 6‐pole AMB is presented, and the mathematics models of the radial and axial suspension forces are derived. Secondly, the advantages and disadvantages of linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) and non‐linear active disturbance rejection control (NLADRC) are analysed, and the L/NL‐ADRSC strategy is introduced. Thirdly, a L/NL‐ADRSC system is designed to realise the decoupling control for the 3‐DOF 6‐pole AMB, and a simple practical parameter design method is provided. Finally, the simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the whole control system. The results show that the decoupling control effect of L/NL‐ADRSC is better than that of LADRC and NLADRC.
Protection schemes using resistive‐type superconducting fault current limiters with mechanical DC circuit breakers in MMC‐MTDC grids
Authors: Xiang Bin , Luo Jinhui , Gao Lei , Wang Jianhua , Geng Yingsan , Liu Zhiyuan , Ding Tao
Published: May 2020

The cooperative characteristics of resistive superconducting fault current limiters (R‐SFCLs) and DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) have been investigated with regard to the fault clearing in modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based multiterminal direct current (MTDC) grids. However, research is lacking in complete protection solutions that combine R‐SFCLs and mechanical DCCBs while considering the backup protection and the effect of R‐SFCLs on the fault characteristics of MMCs. This study investigates a fault current breaking scheme that includes primary and backup protection. Moreover, the fault characteristics of MMCs with R‐SFCLs are analysed, and the fault transient process is divided into three stages. Then two fault current limiting schemes with R‐SFCLs located at the converter output or the line are proposed. These two protection schemes are applied to the DC test system, verified and compared. The results show that in both schemes, the size of the designed R‐SFCL should be generally a few tens of Ω. These R‐SFCLs maintain the converters unblocked until the primary breakers or backup breakers interrupt the fault currents, and the M‐DCCBs are only required to break several kA currents. After a fault occurs, the system will restore within 200 ms for primary protection or 250 ms for backup protection.
Consensus‐based operational framework for self‐healing in multi‐microgrid systems
Authors: Moghateli Fereshteh , Abbas Taher Seyed , Karimi Ali , Shahidehpour Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Recently, microgrids (MGs) present a vital role in the transformation of the existing power networks to the smart grids. Connecting MGs to construct the multi‐microgrid (MMG) system enhances the robustness of the system against disturbances and upgrades overall network performance. In this paper, the MMG, as a source of self‐healing support to the distribution networks, is analysed extensively. In fact, the MMG strengthens the self‐healing of the network by participating in the restoration of disturbed loads. In this study, an operational framework is proposed for the self‐healing problem in radial interconnected MGs based on two‐stage cyber communication network architecture. In the first stage, the local control system (LCS) within each MG, schedules the accessible resources according to the local power consumption target. In the second stage, a number of LCSs are communicated globally to perform self‐healing action. The communication of LCSs is accomplished using a consensus algorithm. Nevertheless, when a fault takes place in MG and a line is eliminated, the healthy MGs, due to demand and supply information in the first stage, supply the on‐outage loads as far as possible. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, two benchmark distribution networks (the 33‐bus and the 119‐bus) are employed.
Design and implementation of a high efficiency microstrip array antenna for X‐band monopulse tracking applications
Authors: Arand Bijan Abbasi , Bazrkar Amir
Published: May 2020

In this study, an X‐band low‐profile monopulse array antenna with high aperture efficiency is proposed for tracking applications. It is consists of a 112‐element patch array antenna, a monopulse comparator, and a full corporate feed network which is composed of the waveguide and microstrip dividers. The monopulse comparator and waveguide part of the feed are produced out of a single‐layer substrate as the back‐end section. Also, the printed array antenna and microstrip part of the feed network are integrated as the front‐end. Finally, the back‐end and the front‐end are integrated through 32 SMP connectors. The proposed design decreases the lateral size of the feed and results in achieving a high level of aperture efficiency. A prototype of the proposed design was manufactured and validated the design experimentally. The measurement results demonstrate that the impedance bandwidth ( ) is up to 12% with the isolations better than 20 dB. The maximum gain of the sum beam is 28.7 dBi, while the null depths of the difference patterns are better than 24 dB. The excellent characteristics of the proposed design make it a good candidate for two‐dimensional monopulse tracking applications at X‐band up to millimetre wavelengths.
Annular substructures in the transition disks around LkCa 15 and J1610
Authors: Facchini S. , Benisty M. , Bae J. , Loomis R. , Perez L. , Ansdell M. , Mayama S. , Pinilla P. , Teague R. , Isella A. , Mann A.
Published: May 2020

We present high-resolution millimeter continuum ALMA observations of the disks around the T Tauri stars LkCa 15 and 2MASS J16100501-2132318 (hereafter, J1610). These transition disks host dust-depleted inner regions, which have possibly been carved by massive planets, and they are of prime interest to the study of the imprints of planet-disk interactions. While at moderate angular resolution, they appear as a broad ring surrounding a cavity, the continuum emission resolves into multiple rings at a resolution of ~60 × 40 mas (~7.5 au for LkCa 15, ~6 au for J1610) and ~7μJy beam−1rms at 1.3 mm. In addition to a broad extended component, LkCa 15 and J1610 host three and two narrow rings, respectively, with two bright rings in LkCa 15 being radially resolved. LkCa 15 possibly hosts another faint ring close to the outer edge of the mm emission. The rings look marginally optically thick, with peak optical depths of ~0.5 (neglecting scattering), in agreement with high angular resolution observations of full disks. We performed hydrodynamical simulations with an embedded, sub-Jovian-mass planet and show that the observed multi-ringed substructure can be qualitatively explained as the outcome of the planet-disk interaction. We note, however, that the choice of the disk cooling timescale alone can significantly impact the resulting gas and dust distributions around the planet, leading to different numbers of rings and gaps and different spacings between them. We propose that the massive outer disk regions of transition disks are favorable places for planetesimals, and possibly second-generation planet formation of objects with a lower mass than the planets carving the inner cavity (typically fewMJup), and that the annular substructures observed in LkCa 15 and J1610 may be indicative of planetary core formation within dust-rich pressure traps. Current observations are compatible with other mechanisms contributing to the origin of the observed substructures, in particular with regard to narrow rings generated (or facilitated) at the edge of the CO and N2snowlines.
Comprehensive study on smart cooling techniques used for batteries
Authors: Ekbote Amey , Karvinkoppa Mathew , Bhojwani Virendra , Patil Naveen
Published: May 2020

Electric vehicles are important in today’s world to reduce pollution. The demand for electric vehicles is increasing day by day. The major component is the battery for an electric vehicle which gives the power to drive motor and drives the vehicle. Continuous operation of the vehicle causes the battery to heat and while heating there are some flammable gases released which may cause a fire. The heating of batteries reduces the performance of the vehicle and reduces the efficiency, therefore there is a need for cooling techniques to keep the temperature of batteries below the critical temperature for safe operating conditions. The present study emphasizes various cooling techniques used for the battery thermal management system. Cooling improves the performance of the battery and reduces the temperature of the battery. It helps in maintaining the temperature of the battery at the desired level. Before cooling the battery, it is necessary to study the thermal behavior of the battery. Various aspects of the thermal behavior are also reported in the paper and the problems associated with the time required for charging the batteries are also discussed.
Effect of Glass Fibers on Self Compacting Concrete
Authors: Hake Sandeep L. , Shinde S. S. , Bhandari Piyush K. , Awasarmal P. R. , Kanawade B. D.
Published: May 2020

Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a specially developed concrete for concreting under extreme condition of inaccessibility from heights. It is capable to flow under influence of its own weight. It could be used when encountered with dense reinforcement and complex structural design. Problem of segregation as well as bleeding is eliminated and vibration is not required for compaction. As concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. Hence to make it strong in tension, discontinuous Anti-Crack high dispersion glass fibers are added. SCC mix prepared with addition of discontinuous glass fibers is called as Glass Fiber reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (GFRSCC). In this paper an experimental study has been carried out to check the effect of Anti-Crack high dispersion glass fibers on the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of SCC. The result show that, as compared to the Normal SCC, the compressive strength of GFRSCC increases by 2.80% and 12.42%, the split tensile strength of GFRSCC increases by 4.47% and 25.12% and the flexural strength of SCC increases by 6.57% and 14.34% when the Cem-FIL Anti-Crack HD glass fibers were added as 0.25% and 0.50% respectively by the weight of total cementitious material contents. The addition of 0.25% Cem-FIL Anti-Crack HD glass fibers to SCC has not much affect on the workability of Normal SCC. Whereas, addition of 0.50% Cem-FIL Anti-Crack HD glass fibers reduces the workability of SCC.
Unusual mandible fracture caused by metallic spear: case report and literature review
Authors: Costa Samuel Macedo , Ribeiro Bruna Campos , Greco Bernardo Barcelos , Gual Rodolfo César , de Jesus Alessandro Oliveira , Amaral Marcio Bruno Figueiredo
Published: May 2020

Spear gun projectiles injuries are are very rare and are usually related to lack of attention during water- sports or fishing practices. This study aims to describe an unusual case of facial injury associated with a mandibular fracture after a spear gun shot. A 38-years-old man was admitted with a history of penetrating injury on the face caused by an accidental shot from a spear gun. After the initial stabilization and examination, the patient was taken to the surgical room for the removal of the projectile. The post-operative care was uneventful and the patient was discharged with no concerns, being in follow-up for one year with no signs of infection or malocclusion. The surgical procedure should be done as soon as possible and the removal of the spear must be done carefully, under direct vision, with or without surgical incisions. Major complications can occur after spear injuries, therefore, the patient must be observed in the postoperative period and should maintain follow up until the end of the rehabilitative process.
Dose comparative study between two different 3D mobile intra-operative systems
Authors: Sans Merce M. , Pitteloud N. , Savoye F.
Published: May 2020

3D imaging devices, when coupled to an image guided surgery system, allow for a more precise surgical approach than classical C-arms. Nevertheless, the exposure to radiation of both patient and staff remains a concern and therefore the choice of imaging device plays an important role. Two 3D imaging systems, an imaging mobile device with an O-ring geometry and an imaging mobile device with a C-arm geometry, have been compared in terms of absorbed doses to organs as well as ambient dose equivalent. Absorbed organ doses were evaluated for thoracic and pelvic examinations using TLDs placed within a CIRS anthropomorphic phantom representing an adult woman. Equivalent ambient dose measurements were performed at various positions in the room around the X-ray system using a calibrated dose rate meter. Results suggest that the O-ring system exposes both patient and staff to higher levels of radiation than the C-arm system. Indeed, organ absorbed doses were found to be 3.5 and 1.7 higher for the O-ring system than for the C-arm system for the same thoracic and pelvic explorations respectively. Concerning the ambient dose equivalent, it was found that for a single 3D image acquisition at a radial distance of one meter from the isocentre, measurements for the O-ring system were approximately 30% larger than the C-arm system.
Beruf oder Liebhaberei?
Authors: Sell Michael
Published: May 2020

Verursacht eine Heilpraktikerpraxis wiederholt Verluste, die sich steuermindernd durch Verrechnung mit anderen Einkünften (zum Beispiel nichtselbstständige Arbeit oder Kapitaleinkünfte) auswirken, kann das Finanzamt unter bestimmen Voraussetzungen Liebhaberei unterstellen und nachträglich die steuerliche Anerkennung versagen. Eine kostenintensive Prüfungsvorbereitung sowie betriebswirtschaftliches Planen und Handeln bekräftigen die Gewinnerzielungsabsicht als zentrales steuerrechtliches Kriterium. Auf Verluste in Folgejahren müssen erkennbare betriebliche Anpassungen etwa durch Kosteneinsparungen und, wenn weiterhin kein Gewinn zu erwarten ist, die Praxisaufgabe folgen. Obwohl es keine absoluten Fristen gibt, steigt mit der Anzahl verlustbringender Jahre der Begründungszwang für die Gewinnerzielungsabsicht.
Quantification of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Oil Using GC/MS:
Method Development, Validation, and Application to Commercially Available
Preparations in Argentina
Authors: Fernández Nicolás , Carreras Laura Jorgelina , Larcher Rafael Antonio , Ridolfi Adriana Silvia , Quiroga Patricia Noemí
Published: May 2020

The medicinal use of cannabis oil is increasing all over the world. Few
analytical methods for the quantification of cannabinoids have been validated
using internationally accredited guidelines. This work describes the development
and validation of a selective and sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
method for the qualitative analysis of the main cannabinoids, namely
cannabidiolic acid, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabigerol, and
cannabichromene as well as quantitative determination of cannabidiol,
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabinol, present in
cannabis oils. The method was fully validated according to Food and Drug
Administration and International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. A
linear range of 0.1–30 μg/mL was obtained for CBD and
Δ9-THC and 0.034–11.7 μg/mL for
CBN, presenting determination coefficients above 0.99. The lower limits of
quantification ranged from 0.034 to 0.1 μg/mL. The intra- and
inter-day precision, calculated in terms of relative standard deviation, were
3.9–13.8 and 4.7–14.1%, respectively. Extraction
efficiency at lower limits of quantification was 95–103%.
Verification of method validity was performed with authentic cannabis oil
samples. To our knowledge, this is the first method available in Argentina,
validated according to international guidelines, for quantification of CBD,
Δ9-THC, and CBN in cannabis oil. The primary application
of this method is to differentiate between cannabis oils with high or low
content of Δ9-THC, CBD, or mixed
Δ9-THC/CBD. This is of fundamental importance for the
patient and so that the physicians can carry out a suitable therapy.
Adenoid hypertrophy existence in adulthood- a truth revealed
Authors: Bage Atul M , D. Anand Karthikeyan , Bage Nutan N
Published: May 2020

Background and aims: The adenoids (nasopharyngeal tonsils) are part of Waldeyer’s ring of lymphoid tissue. Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx increasingly recognized that adenoidal tissue in adults is not an uncommon finding. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of adult adenoid tissue and the possible reasons behind it. Methods: A retrospective study of 1,100 adult patients, who had routine nasal endoscopic examination for nasal obstruction and related pathologies, was undertaken. 84 cases with incidental hypertrophied adenoid were reviewed to determine the probable cause, presenting symptoms, clinical suspicion and final histological diagnosis. Results: The age of patients ranged from 18 years to 77 years. Median age was 32 years. 59 (70.24%) of adenoid hypertrophy patients were smokers and only 25 (29.76%) were nonsmokers suggesting strong association between smoking and adult adenoid hypertrophy with odds ratio=5.3251, χ2value of 54.23 and an extremely significant p value. All the 84 cases were confirmed histopathologically as Reactive adenoid hyperplasia and no signs of malignancy in any of them. Conclusions: The true incidence of adenoidal hypertrophy in adults is unknown. Adenoidal tissue in adults, if present, must always be biopsied or removed irrespective of their macroscopic appearance. The result underlines the importance of considering adenoid hypertrophy as a cause or contributing factor in nasal obstruction and related pathologies in adults. It also supports the theory that it represents a long-standing inflammatory process rather than being a novel clinical entity.
Intraoperative Proximal Tibia Periprosthetic Fractures in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Damsgaard Christopher W. , Gad Bishoy V. , Bono Olivia J. , Anderson Marie C. , Brown Jonathon M. , Bono James V. , Talmo Carl T.
Published: May 2020

Intraoperative fracture of the proximal tibia is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with few studies available reporting risk factors or prognosis. A review of our prospective joint registry was performed to determine the incidence and associated risk factors of intraoperative tibia fractures during primary TKA; 14,966 TKAs of all manufacturers were performed with 9 intraoperative tibia fractures. All fractures occurred in a single TKA design. There were 8,155 TKAs of this design performed with a fracture incidence of 0.110%. All but one fracture occurred on the medial tibial plateau, and all but one occurred during preparation of the tibia with keel punching. A control group of 75 patients (80 knees) with the same TKA design were randomly selected. Baseplates size 3 or smaller were less likely to experience an intraoperative fracture (odds ratio [OR]: 0.864, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.785–0.951), as were knees with a polyethylene insert thickness of 13 mm or larger (OR: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.812–0.957). Fractures were treated with a variety of different methods, but every patient had at least one screw placed and most (67%) had postoperative weight-bearing restrictions. At final follow-up, there were no cases of nonunion, component subsidence, or need for reoperation. Intraoperative tibia fractures are a rare complication of this TKA design at 0.11%. Knees with baseplates of size ≤3 and polyethylene thickness ≥13 mm were less likely to experience intraoperative fracture. These findings may be related to the depth of tibial resection, requiring the use of a thicker polyethylene insert, and a change in the keel width in implants size 4 or larger. No fracture patients required reoperation.
Nematic ordering of worm-like polymers near an interface
Authors: Spencer Russell K. W. , Saeidi Nima , Ha Bae-Yeun
Published: May 2020

The phase behavior of semi-flexible polymers is integral to various contexts, from materials science to biophysics, many of which utilize or require specific confinement geometries as well as the orientational behavior of the polymers. Inspired by collagen assembly, we study the orientational ordering of semi-flexible polymers, modeled as Maier–Saupe worm-like chains, using self-consistent field theory. We first examine the bulk behavior of these polymers, locating the isotropic–nematic transition and delineating the limit of stability of the isotropic and nematic phases. This effort explains how nematic ordering emerges from the isotropic phase and offers insight into how different (e.g., mono-domain vs multi-domain) nematic phases form. We then clarify the influence of planar confinement on the nematic ordering of the polymers. We find that while the presence of a single confining wall does not shift the location of nematic transition, it aligns the polymers in parallel to the wall; above the onset of nematic transition, this preference tends to propagate into the bulk phase. Introducing a second, perpendicular, wall leads to a nematic phase that is parallel to both walls, allowing the ordering direction to be uniquely set by the geometry of the experimental setup. The advantage of wall-confinement is that it can be used to propagate mono-domain nematic phases into the bulk phase.
Oxidized Si terminated diamond and its MOSFET operation with SiO2 gate insulator
Authors: Fei Wenxi , Bi Te , Iwataki Masayuki , Imanishi Shoichiro , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

During selective epitaxial growth of diamond through SiO2 masks, silicon terminations were formed on a diamond surface by replacing oxygen terminations under the masks. The high temperature of selective growth and its reductive atmosphere possibly allowed Si atoms in SiO2 to interact with the diamond surface, resulting in silicon terminated diamond (C–Si diamond) composed of a monolayer or thin multi-layers of carbon and silicon bonds on diamond. Diamond metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), with a C–Si diamond channel and selectively grown undoped or heavily boron-doped (p+) source/drain (S/D) layers, have been fabricated. Both the MOSFETs with undoped and p+ S/D exhibited enhancement mode (normally off) FET characteristics. The drain current (IDS) of the undoped device reached −17 mA/mm with threshold voltage (VT) −19 V; the p+ device attained a high IDS −165 mA/mm with a VT of −6 V being one of the best normally off diamond FETs. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of C–Si diamond under the SiO2 masking area. The field effect mobility and interface state density at the C–Si/SiO2 (220 nm)/Al2O3 (100 nm) MOS capacitor are 102 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 4.6 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1, respectively. The MOSFET operation of C–Si diamond provides an alternative approach for diamond.
TurboRVB: A many-body toolkit for ab initio electronic simulations by quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Nakano Kousuke , Attaccalite Claudio , Barborini Matteo , Capriotti Luca , Casula Michele , Coccia Emanuele , Dagrada Mario , Genovese Claudio , Luo Ye , Mazzola Guglielmo , Zen Andrea , Sorella Sandro
Published: May 2020

TurboRVB is a computational package for ab initio Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations of both molecular and bulk electronic systems. The code implements two types of well established QMC algorithms: Variational Monte Carlo (VMC) and diffusion Monte Carlo in its robust and efficient lattice regularized variant. A key feature of the code is the possibility of using strongly correlated many-body wave functions (WFs), capable of describing several materials with very high accuracy, even when standard mean-field approaches [e.g., density functional theory (DFT)] fail. The electronic WF is obtained by applying a Jastrow factor, which takes into account dynamical correlations, to the most general mean-field ground state, written either as an antisymmetrized geminal power with spin-singlet pairing or as a Pfaffian, including both singlet and triplet correlations. This WF can be viewed as an efficient implementation of the so-called resonating valence bond (RVB) Ansatz, first proposed by Pauling and Anderson in quantum chemistry [L. Pauling, The Nature of the Chemical Bond (Cornell University Press, 1960)] and condensed matter physics [P.W. Anderson, Mat. Res. Bull 8, 153 (1973)], respectively. The RVB Ansatz implemented in TurboRVB has a large variational freedom, including the Jastrow correlated Slater determinant as its simplest, but nontrivial case. Moreover, it has the remarkable advantage of remaining with an affordable computational cost, proportional to the one spent for the evaluation of a single Slater determinant. Therefore, its application to large systems is computationally feasible. The WF is expanded in a localized basis set. Several basis set functions are implemented, such as Gaussian, Slater, and mixed types, with no restriction on the choice of their contraction. The code implements the adjoint algorithmic differentiation that enables a very efficient evaluation of energy derivatives, comprising the ionic forces. Thus, one can perform structural optimizations and molecular dynamics in the canonical NVT ensemble at the VMC level. For the electronic part, a full WF optimization (Jastrow and antisymmetric parts together) is made possible, thanks to state-of-the-art stochastic algorithms for energy minimization. In the optimization procedure, the first guess can be obtained at the mean-field level by a built-in DFT driver. The code has been efficiently parallelized by using a hybrid MPI-OpenMP protocol, which is also an ideal environment for exploiting the computational power of modern Graphics Processing Unit accelerators.
Targeted mutation of secretogranin-2 disrupts sexual behavior and reproduction in zebrafish
Authors: Mitchell Kimberly , Zhang Wo Su , Lu Chunyu , Tao Binbin , Chen Lu , Hu Wei , Trudeau Vance L.
Published: May 2020

Significance

The secretory granule protein secretogranin-2 is processed to the bioactive neuropeptide secretoneurin. While these are expressed in hypothalamic neurons and anterior pituitary cells, a role in hormonal control of reproduction is unknown. We provide in vivo evidence that secretogranin-2 plays critical roles in fertility regulation. Mutation of the secretogranin-2a and -2b genes in zebrafish leads to disrupted sexual behaviors, reduced ovulation and egg laying, and suboptimal fertility and embryo survival. Injection of a synthetic secretoneurin peptide enhanced reproductive outcomes in the mutant fish. Our secretogranin-2 mutants offer an amenable model system in which to screen potential injectable stimulators of reproduction, be they for spawning in cultured fish species, or to help with the search for new human infertility treatments.
Shifting bonds in suspect
interrogations
Authors: Kataoka Kuniyoshi
Published: May 2020

In this paper I will
examine a series of police interrogations in which
various “bonding” strategies – typically
linguistic “modality” and “person reference” in
Japanese – are employed. The prosecution process
in Japan is notorious for unduly allowing the
police to extend the detention period while
various types of ploys and threats can be
attempted to make a suspect to confess to the
accused crime. Although such “bonding” between a
suspect and the police may sound like a misleading
characterization, one can expect to find
comparable features to what we typically observe
in “bonded” relationships. I will examine how the
bond between a suspect and interrogators,
established in an inhumane environment called
daiyō-kangoku ‘police detention
cell,’ can be modified in the interrogation
process.
Discursive navigation of employable identities in the narratives of former
refugees
Authors: Greenbank Emily
Published: May 2020

Incorporating both interview and workplace data, this book examines the discursive and social challenges that former refugees encounter as they navigate successes and failures in the New Zealand labour market. Over five chapters of microlevel discourse analysis – drawing on Bamberg & Georgakopoulou’s (2008) positioning, and interactional sociolinguistic literature – themes emerge of narrative, social and cultural capital (Bourdieu, 1986), linguistic agency, and wider capital-D Discourses (Gee, 1990) surrounding refugeehood. Of particular interest in this study is the inclusion of a longitudinal study of former refugees’ trajectories in the labour market, and the combination of both interview and authentic workplace interactional data, providing rich insight into the multiple and ongoing challenges new arrivals face in their negotiation of employability. This book will be of interest to those engaged in research around migration (particularly those focused on forced migration), employment, language and identity, and narrative identity.
How does collaborative governance evolve? Insights from a medium-n case comparison
Authors: Ulibarri Nicola , Emerson Kirk , Imperial Mark T , Jager Nicolas W , Newig Jens , Weber Edward
Published: May 2020

Understanding the performance of collaborative governance regimes (CGRs) necessitates an understanding of how stakeholders and their interactions evolve over time. However, few studies assess the evolution of the structure or process dynamics of CGRs over time. This paper contributes to our understanding of the longitudinal dynamics of CGRs. We apply a modified grounded theory approach to a dataset of collaboration case studies to develop empirically-based theory about how often CGRs persist over time, how different components of CGRs evolve over time, what conditions support or hinder this evolution, and how different developmental trajectories lead to differences in the outputs and outcomes achieved by these groups. We find that CGRs follow a variety of trajectories, from failing to initiate, to achieving their work in a relatively quick time, to sustaining their operations for decades, to incurring slow or rapid declines in health. Additionally, many characteristics of CGRs, including leadership, collaborative process, accountability, and outputs/outcomes, peak at the midpoint of the observed time, suggesting that at some point, even stable and healthy collaborations incur some decline in their robustness. As an exploratory study, this work highlights the need for a better accounting of how CGRs develop, sustain, evolve, and decline over time.
The intermittent nature of player physical output in professional football matches: An analysis of sequences of peak intensity and associated fatigue responses
Authors: Schimpchen Jan , Gopaladesikan Sudarshan , Meyer Tim
Published: May 2020

Professional footballers experience transient periods of in‐game fatigue which might affect match outcomes. Further information regarding the degree of fatigue elicited by periods of peak physical intensity across different movement metrics is needed to allow for a more informed design of targeted training interventions. To that end, the purpose of this study was to identify sequences of player peak physical output in‐game for three different rolling time windows (1‐, 5‐, 10‐minutes) across three movement categories (total distance, high‐intensity distance, average acceleration/deceleration) for 29 players during a full season of professional football matches. Physical performance was also assessed for the 5‐minutes after peak intensity to identify possible signs of acute fatigue, while goal differential and match time were registered as contextual variables to analyse whether peak physical output fluctuations were game‐state dependent. Total distance and average acceleration/deceleration were reduced by 11%–18% in the first minute after peak intensity but returned to match average within the third minute. High‐intensity distance remained reduced by 64%–89% from the first minute after peak intensity to 6%–31% at the fifth minute after. Both contextual factors had an influence on players’ ability to perform at peak intensity, but only when considering total distance and average acceleration/deceleration. In contrast, high‐intensity distance peak performance remained unaffected by contextual factors. These findings indicate that player in‐game fatigue is most pronounced after periods of peak high‐intensity running, highlighting the need for targeted training interventions to minimise subsequent reductions in players’ physical output capabilities.