bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wheat Bran Fiber on the Behaviors of Maize Starch Based Films
Authors: Fu Zong‐Qiang , Wu Hong‐Jian , Wu Min , Huang Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Miao
Published: May 2020

This work presents the potential of wheat bran fiber as filler in starch‐based films. Maize starch incorporating 0–25% w/w wheat bran fiber is used to produce biocomposite films. The properties of starch‐based films are discussed, including morphology, thickness, opacity, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break. As wheat bran fiber is added, the biocomposite films become rough, thick, and opaque. Starch films without the addition of wheat bran fiber presen low water vapor permeability. The elongation at break of films decreases with increase in wheat bran fiber content. The tensile strength increases with increase in wheat bran fiber content from 0 to 10% w/w (about 5.07 MPa) and then decreases as wheat bran fiber content increases. However, the tensile strength of film with loading 20% w/w wheat bran fiber is still higher than that of control starch film, which means that the tensile strength can be improved by incorporating wheat bran fiber.
Large-size expansion for triangular Wilson loops in confining gauge theories
Authors: Pobylitsa P.V.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The asymptotic behavior of Wilson loops in the large-size limit (L → ∞) in confining gauge theories with area law is controlled by effective string theory (EST). The L

−2 term of the large-size expansion for the logarithm of Wilson loop appears within EST as a 2-loop correction. Ultraviolet divergences of this 2-loop correction for polygonal contours can be renormalized using an analytical regularization constructed in terms of Schwarz-Christoffel mapping. In the case of triangular Wilson loops this method leads to a simple final expression for the L

−2 term.
Black hole state dependence as a single parameter
Authors: van Breukelen Rik
Published: May 2020

Abstract

It has previously been proposed that the black hole interior of typical state large black holes in AdS can be described using state-dependent operators. We investigate the possibility that the interior can be described by explicit time dependence, which reduces the state-dependence of the interior operators to a single parameter. We also propose to use the natural cone, obtained from Tomita-Takesaki theory, as a candidate construction for the interior operators.
Calculating the angle between jet axes
Authors: Cal Pedro , Neill Duff , Ringer Felix , Waalewijn Wouter J.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study the angle between i) the standard jet axis, ii) the axis of a jet which has been groomed using soft drop, with reduced sensitivity to soft radiation, iii) the jet axis obtained with the winner-take-all recombination scheme, which is insensitive to soft radiation at leading power. We calculate the distributions for these angles at next- to-leading logarithmic accuracy, including non-global logarithms. The angle between the standard and groomed jet axis directly probes soft wide-angle radiation, leading to a novel factorization formula. This angle is also very sensitive to nonperturbative physics, which is directly connected to nonperturbative contribution to the rapidity anomalous dimension for transverse momentum distributions. Comparing our predictions to Pythia we find good agreement, and we foresee applications to jet substructure in proton-proton and heavy ion collisions.
Variance Continuity for Lorenz Flows
Authors: Bahsoun Wael , Melbourne Ian , Ruziboev Marks
Published: May 2020

The classical Lorenz flow, and any flow which is close to it in the $$C^2$$C2-topology, satisfies a Central Limit Theorem (CLT). We prove that the variance in the CLT varies continuously.
Internal phosphorus loading due to sediment anoxia in shallow areas: implications for lake aeration treatments
Authors: Tammeorg Olga , Nürnberg Gertrud , Niemistö Juha , Haldna Marina , Horppila Jukka
Published: May 2020

Shallow lake sediments may be anoxic despite overlying aerated water. In the current study, we aimed to ascertain the contribution of shallow areas to internal phosphorus (P) loading due to sediment anoxia in stratifying lakes. Moreover, we analyzed relationships of the key water quality variables with internal P loading due to sediment anoxia originating solely from stratifying areas (IPobs) and that accounting also for the shallow areas (IPpred) for a set of Finnish lakes, including intentionally aerated and non-aerated lakes. Finally, using a broader set of lakes worldwide, we established a specific combination of lake characteristics that predict sediment P release due to sediment anoxia and linked it to the practices of aeration. Our results showed that shallow lake areas (a difference between IPpredand IPobs) contributed about half of the total P flux due to sediment anoxia. While all of the studied water quality variables related significantly to IPpred, only the concentration of total phosphorus (TP) in the near-bottom water layer related significantly to IPobs. This indicates the key importance of P release of shallow areas for water quality. The concentrations of TP in the surface water layer and chlorophyllawere significantly dependent on IPpredirrespectively of the treatment (aerated lakes or not). P supply from shallow areas may affect aeration effectiveness in stratifying lakes. IPpredwas found to be dependent on the specific combination of lake characteristics (including mean and maximum depth, lake and catchment area, external P loading) PC3, driven mainly by external P loading. Hence, external load reduction should be considered as the first priority in lake water quality management. By linking the dependence of IPpredon PC3 to aeration practices, we determined the conditions that promise increased effectiveness of aeration treatments.
Optimization of Yarrowia lipolytica-based consolidated biocatalyst through synthetic biology approach: transcription units and signal peptides shuffling
Authors: Celińska Ewelina , Borkowska Monika , Korpys-Woźniak Paulina , Kubiak Monika , Nicaud Jean-Marc , Kubiak Piotr , Gorczyca Maria , Białas Wojciech
Published: May 2020

Nowadays considerable effort is being pursued towards development of consolidated microbial biocatalysts that will be able to utilize complex, non-pretreated substrates and produce valuable compounds. In such engineered microbes, synthesis of extracellular hydrolases may be fine-tuned by different approaches, like strength of promoter, type of secretory tag, and gene copy number. In this study, we investigated if organization of a multi-element expression cassette impacts the resultant Yarrowia lipolytica transformants’ phenotype, presuming that different variants of the cassette are composed of the same regulatory elements and encode the same mature proteins. To this end, Y. lipolytica cells were transformed with expression cassettes bearing a pair of genes encoding exactly the same mature amylases, but fused to four different signal peptides (SP), and located interchangeably in either first or second position of a synthetic DNA construction. The resultant strains were tested for growth on raw and pretreated complex substrates of different plant origin for comprehensive examination of the strains’ acquired characteristics. Optimized strain was tested in batch bioreactor cultivations for growth and lipids accumulation. Based on the conducted research, we concluded that the positional order of transcription units (TU) and the type of exploited SP affect final characteristics of the resultant consolidated biocatalyst strains, and thus could be considered as additional factors to be evaluated upon consolidated biocatalysts optimization.

Key Points

• Y. lipolytica growing on raw starch was constructed and tested on different substrates.

• Impact of expression cassette design and SP on biocatalysts’ phenotype was evidenced.

• Consolidated biocatalyst process for lipids production from starch was conducted.
Treatment expectations and patient-reported outcomes of nusinersen therapy in adult spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Osmanovic Alma , Ranxha Gresa , Kumpe Mareike , Müschen Lars , Binz Camilla , Wiehler Flavia , Paracka Lejla , Körner Sonja , Kollewe Katja , Petri Susanne , Schreiber-Katz Olivia
Published: May 2020

Background

The antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO) nusinersen has recently been approved as the first genetically modifying therapy for 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) based on randomized sham-controlled trials in infants and children. The efficacy in adults with long disease history and advanced disease status is still widely unknown; the same applies to specific expectations of adult SMA patients and to what extent they are met and may impact outcome measures.

Methods

In a longitudinal monocentric study in adult patients with SMA types 2–4, the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale (SETS) was assessed prior to and during nusinersen treatment. Treatment outcome was evaluated using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as well as objectively quantifiable motor outcome measures.

Results

Adult SMA patients had high expectations of nusinersen treatment effectiveness regarding increase in muscle strength and disease stabilization. Via PROs, 75% stated improvements in muscle strength, endurance and independence under therapy which was in line with slight improvements in quantifiable motor scores during a  ten month observation period. In contrast, patients only expressed few negative expectations which further decreased during therapy.

Conclusions

This study showed mainly positive treatment expectations and PROs in patients undergoing nusinersen treatment along with measurable functional improvement in adult SMA patients. Moreover, treatment expectations did not significantly influence outcome measures.
Assessment of post-failure evolution of a large earthflow through field monitoring and numerical modelling
Authors: Lollino P. , Giordan D. , Allasia P. , Fazio N. L. , Perrotti M. , Cafaro F.
Published: May 2020

The analysis of the residual hazard existing after the emergency phases generated by the activation or reactivation of landslides is rarely taken into account in a proper manner. However, the assessment of landslide post-failure evolution should represent a key factor to control potential landslide reactivations and prevent new landslide-induced damages. This paper presents the results of a long-term field monitoring activity performed in the years after the emergency phase of the Montaguto (Italy) earthflow reactivation occurred in 2010 as well as the results of 2-D and 3-D numerical analyses aimed at interpreting the post-emergency landslide behaviour. The results of the numerical simulations, which agree well with the in situ monitoring data, allow to define a conceptual model of the earthflow behaviour that is related to the pore water pressure variations resulting from the drained or undrained processes occurring in the landslide body. The study proposed confirms a general reduction of the landslide activity, as well as allows to detect the factors that control the residual activity existing in a specific area of the landslide and to infer possible critical scenarios for landslide reactivations.
Long-term changes in spatial overlap between interacting cod and flounder in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Orio Alessandro , Bergström Ulf , Florin Ann-Britt , Šics Ivo , Casini Michele
Published: May 2020

The strength of interspecific competition and predator–prey interactions depends on the area of co-occurrence of the interacting species. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the changes in the spatial overlap of trophically connected species to understand the outcomes of species interactions. In the Baltic Sea, the interplay between cod and flounder has previously been neglected. In this study, we use four decades of data on cod and flounder distributions covering the southern and central Baltic Sea to: (1) model and map the changes in the distributions of the two species using generalized additive models; (2) quantify the temporal changes in the potential competitive and predator–prey interactions between them using spatial overlap indices; (3) relate these changes in overlap to the known dynamics of the different cod and flounder populations in the Baltic Sea. Competition overlap has continuously increased for cod, from the beginning of the time-series. This is a possible cause of the observed decline in feeding levels and body condition of small and intermediate sized cod. Flounder overlap with large cod instead has decreased substantially, suggesting a predation release of flounder, potentially triggering its increase in abundance and distribution range observed in the last decades.
Excimer laser treatment combined with riboflavin ultraviolet-A (UVA) collagen crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus: a literature review
Authors: Ezzeldin M. , Filev F. , Steinberg J. , Frings A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To review the clinical outcome of keratoconus patients after excimer laser treatment with combined riboflavin UV-A collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment was reviewed in light of the UDVA, CDVA and HOA.

Methods

Following a PubMed-based literature review of studies on excimer laser treatment with combined riboflavin UV-A CXL published between 2009 and 2018, peer-reviewed English-written studies were evaluated using the GRADE approach (www.gradeworkinggroup.org). The current review focused on the change in the (un)corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA; CDVA) and higher-order aberrations (HOA) as well as the prevalence of postoperative complications.

Results

Five studies with a total of 573 eyes were included, thereby reporting on 479 eyes were treated with the aforementioned combination therapy. The control group consisted of 94 eyes in total. Changes between pre- and postoperative CDVA and/or UDVA were statistically significant in all five studies after at least a 24-month follow-up period for the combined excimer laser-assisted CXL treatment in comparison with the CXL-only treatment option. Three studies described statistically significant reduction in the number of total HOA, in particular, those related to coma and spherical aberration. Corneal haze was reported in four studies, but the condition was successfully treated in all cases.

Conclusion

Current studies suggest that CDVA, UDVA and HOA in low-to-moderate keratoconic patients improved in a combined treatment without sacrificing biomechanical stability of the cornea. However, long-term results are needed, as the studies in our review have a follow-up period of 68 months or less.
Additive manufacturing of monolithic supercapacitors with biopolymer separator
Authors: Arvani Maedeh , Keskinen Jari , Railanmaa Anna , Siljander Sanna , Björkqvist Tomas , Tuukkanen Sampo , Lupo Donald
Published: May 2020

In this paper, additive layer-by-layer fabrication of a fully screen printed monolithic supercapacitor exhibiting performance comparable with supercapacitors prepared using lamination is reported. A novel separator material improves the performance of the monolithic supercapacitor, is easily applicable using scalable processes such as screen and stencil printing, and is based on sustainable biomaterials. The additive monolithic manufacturing offers advantages for system integration and avoids the need of an additional alignment step as needed in the fabrication of laminated supercapacitors. Previously, the monolithically fabricated supercapacitors showed higher equivalent series resistance (ESR) and leakage current than the laminated ones. By using microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and chitosan as separator materials ESR and leakage current were decreased. These disposable and non-toxic aqueous electrolyte supercapacitors are optimized for autonomous sensor systems, for example in Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, with capacitance of 200–300 mF and ESR of about 10 Ω. The new composite separator material consisting of MFC and chitosan has good adhesion on the electrodes and the substrate, is easy to apply using printing and coating processes, and does not diffuse into the porous electrode.

Graphic Abstract
Interpretation of machine learning models using shapley values: application to compound potency and multi-target activity predictions
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Raquel , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Difficulties in interpreting machine learning (ML) models and their predictions limit the practical applicability of and confidence in ML in pharmaceutical research. There is a need for agnostic approaches aiding in the interpretation of ML models regardless of their complexity that is also applicable to deep neural network (DNN) architectures and model ensembles. To these ends, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) methodology has recently been introduced. The SHAP approach enables the identification and prioritization of features that determine compound classification and activity prediction using any ML model. Herein, we further extend the evaluation of the SHAP methodology by investigating a variant for exact calculation of Shapley values for decision tree methods and systematically compare this variant in compound activity and potency value predictions with the model-independent SHAP method. Moreover, new applications of the SHAP analysis approach are presented including interpretation of DNN models for the generation of multi-target activity profiles and ensemble regression models for potency prediction.
Design and locomotion analysis of two kinds of rolling expandable mobile linkages with a single degree of freedom
Authors: Hao Yanlin , Tian Yaobin , Wu Jianxu , Li Yezhuo , Yao Yan-An
Published: May 2020

This study presents two kinds of rolling robots that are able to roll by deforming their outer shapes with a single degree of freedom. Each robot is an essential multi-loop planar expandable linkage constructed by a concave outer loop and several inner parallelogram loops. In this study, the mechanical design of the robots is introduced. Dynamic rolling process is further analyzed on the basis of zero moment point method, and a morphing strategy is proposed to guarantee a stable dynamic rolling process. A novel passive rolling locomotion is also developed, which enables the robots to roll and stand on a slope. To verify the design, two prototypes are manufactured, wherein the dynamic and passive rolling locomotion are carried out.
Investigation of optical laser beam impairment on hypergolic lunarlander exhaust plumes for a lidar feasibility study
Authors: Stützer Robert , Kraus Stephan , Oschwald Michael
Published: May 2020

Plumes of two hypergolic bipropellant thrusters of a LunarLander application, developed by ArianeGroup® Lampoldshausen, were optically examined regarding their potential to interfere with laser beams of a nearby LIDAR system. On one hand, hot exhaust gas of a 22 N Vernier thruster was used to investigate the scattering of a λ = 632.8 nm HeNe laser beam. A series of several engine pulse modes were conducted. An obvious correlation between engine pulse duration and backscattered light intensity is revealed. The shortest pulses result in the most intense backscattering, indicating an incomplete combustion process between the hypergolic constituents MMH = monomethylhydrazine and NTO = (di)nitrogen tetroxide for very short pulse lengths. On the other hand, a prolonged pulse mode of 120 ms firing time causes only marginal deflection of the laser beam. Furthermore, steady operation leads to a negligible signal of backscattered photons, accompanied by increasing emission bands of combustion products such as CN, O2, and CO2. However, the disappearance of the OH* emission band, typical for this hypergolic combustion, shows a nearly complete reaction of the hydroxyl radical within the combustor for all pulse modes. Mie scattering calculations show a correlation between the incident laser beam wavelength and the backscattered light intensity. On the other hand, near infrared spectroscopy on the exhaust plume of a 500 N apogee thruster revealed that interfering flame emission and absorption in the optical range around λ = 1064 nm can be neglected. The relatively intense flame emission measured for λ ≥ 1300 nm, on the other hand, is a potential risk for the application of a laser beam of a similar wavelength.
Loving-Kindness Meditation Promotes Mental Health in University Students
Authors: Totzeck Christina , Teismann Tobias , Hofmann Stefan G. , von Brachel Ruth , Pflug Verena , Wannemüller Andre , Margraf Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) has been shown to improve wellbeing and positive emotions in clinical and non-clinical populations. The main goal of the present study was to examine whether LKM might be an effective intervention to promote positive mental health using the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH) and to decrease depression, anxiety, and stress in university students.

Methods

The sample (n = 110) consisted of university students in Germany. One half of them (n = 55) underwent LKM intervention. They were compared with a matched control group (n = 55) which did not receive treatment. All participants completed positive and negative mental health measures at baseline and 1-year follow-up assessments. LKM participants additionally completed the same measures before and after treatment. Multiple analyses of variance were conducted to test for short- and long-term effects of LKM on positive and negative mental health measures.

Results

A significant short-term effect of LKM on anxiety and PMH was found. Long-term analyses revealed a significant decrease of depression, anxiety, and stress for LKM completers, and a significant increase of depression, anxiety, and stress for the control group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that LKM enhances mental health in university students.
Excellent tribological properties of epoxy—Ti3C2 with three-dimensional nanosheets composites
Authors: Meng Fanning , Zhang Zhenyu , Gao Peili , Kang Ruiyang , Boyjoo Yash , Yu Jinhong , Liu Tingting
Published: May 2020

As a widely used engineering polymer, epoxy resin has been successfully employed in high-performance components and setups. However, the poor thermal and friction properties of traditional epoxy resin greatly limit its application in many extreme environments. In this work, a new kind of epoxy-Ti3C2 with three-dimensional nanosheets (3DNS) composite which was designed by freeze-drying method showed up excellent thermal and friction properties. As a result, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of epoxy-Ti3C2 3DNS 3.0 composites was 41.9 ppm/K at 40 °C, which was lower than that of the traditional epoxy resin (46.7 ppm/K), and the thermal conductivity (TC) was also improved from 0.176 to 0.262 W/(m·K). Meanwhile, epoxy-Ti3C2 3DNS 1.0 composites showed up the best friction property, with wear rate 76.3% lower than that of epoxy resin. This work is significant for the research of high-performance composite materials.
Winter Climate Shapes Spring Phytoplankton Development in Non‐Ice‐Covered Lakes: Subtropical Lake Taihu as an Example
Authors: Deng Jianming , Zhang Wei , Qin Boqiang Q. , Zhang Yunlin , Salmaso Nico , Jeppesen Erik
Published: May 2020

Winter warming plays a vital role in spring phytoplankton community succession in temperate lakes due to variation of ice cover duration in winter. How winter conditions affect spring phytoplankton in subtropical lakes without winter ice cover is, however, largely unknown. In this study, covering 26 years, we elucidated the effects of both climate conditions and nutrient levels in winter on the phytoplankton community (expressed as Morpho‐Functional Groups) in spring in Lake Taihu, a large shallow subtropical lake in China. During this period, wind speed declined significantly in both winter and spring from 1992 to 2017 and the sunshine hours increased slightly from 2000 to 2017. The biomass of eight dominant phytoplankton groups showed increasing trends from 1992 to 2017, while it declined for one group, which mainly included filamentous green algae such as Ulothrix sp. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) results indicated that wind speed and sunshine duration in winter and spring were the most important factors affecting the spring phytoplankton community in Lake Taihu. Also, partial least squares path modeling (PLS‐PM) suggested that the spring phytoplankton community was strongly affected by winter conditions. Our study indicated that the “climate memory” effects on phytoplankton, resulting from winter and acting on the following spring, not only occur in north temperate winter ice‐covered shallow lakes but also in subtropical lakes without ice‐covered in winter.
Geoscientists Help Map the Pandemic
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: May 2020

Data visualization and mapping are valuable tools in the fight against COVID-19. Geoscientists can help healthcare workers and shape public policy.
This Week: Antique Climate Science and Brand-New Broken Comets
Authors:   AGU
Published: May 2020

What Earth and space science stories are we recommending this week?
A high-quality reference genome of wild Cannabis sativa
Authors: Gao Shan , Wang Baishi , Xie Shanshan , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Jin , Pei Li , Yu Yongyi , Yang Weifei , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2020

Cannabis sativais a well-known plant species that has great economic and ecological significance. An incomplete genome of clonedC. sativawas obtained by using SOAPdenovo software in 2011. To further explore the utilization of this plant resource, we generated an updated draft genome sequence for wild-type varieties ofC. sativain China using PacBio single-molecule sequencing and Hi-C technology. Our assembled genome is approximately 808 Mb, with scaffold and contig N50 sizes of 83.00 Mb and 513.57 kb, respectively. Repetitive elements account for 74.75% of the genome. A total of 38,828 protein-coding genes were annotated, 98.20% of which were functionally annotated. We provide the first comprehensivede novogenome of wild-type varieties ofC. sativadistributed in Tibet, China. Due to long-term growth in the wild environment, these varieties exhibit higher heterozygosity and contain more genetic information. This genetic resource is of great value for future investigations of cannabinoid metabolic pathways and will aid in promoting the commercial production ofC. sativaand the effective utilization of cannabinoids. The assembled genome is also a valuable resource for intensively and effectively investigating theC. sativagenome further in the future.
Side-chain engineering of conjugated polymers toward highly efficient near-infrared organic photo-detectors via morphology and dark current management
Authors: Kang Yeongkwon , Eun Hyeong Ju , Kye Hyojin , Kim Dahee , Heo Junseok , Kim Jong H. , Kim Bong-Gi
Published: May 2020

A side-chain engineered conjugated polymer provides outstanding NIR detectivity exceeding 2.0 × 1012Jones, due to enhanced photo-responsivity and suppressed dark current.
Out‐of‐plane integration of multilayer strip‐resonators and its application
Authors: Li Yan‐Lin , Zhu Xu , Zhou Li‐Jie , Lu Song‐Jie
Published: May 2020

A novel out‐of‐plane integration of multilayer strip‐resonators is proposed. This kind of structure retains the merit of traditional in‐plane integrated ones – simple and compact‐sized, meanwhile, achieves the same amount of coupling with smaller horizontal space between resonators. Further miniaturisation of the previous bandpass filters (BPFs) can be realised by re‐designing them based on the proposed structure. This Letter gives an example of an S‐band BPF. A 52.4% size reduction is achieved by out‐of‐plane integration of resonators, while maintaining a comparable performance to the previous in‐plane integrated design.
Probabilistic multi‐objective state estimation‐based PMU placement in the presence of bad data and missing measurements
Authors: Zargar Saman Farhang , Farsangi Malihe Maghfoori , Zare Mohsen
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a multi‐objective probabilistic coordinated method for state estimation (SE) in a power system by optimal placement of phasor measurement units (PMUs) in the presence of bad data and missing measurements. For this purpose, using a three‐stage SE approach and a linear estimator, the conventional and PMU measurements are used simultaneously for SE and then, the obtained estimates are integrated through estimation fusion theory. Subsequently, the proposed optimal PMU placement (OPP) method finds out the minimum number and the optimal location of PMUs required to achieve the desired accuracy of the power system SE. Furthermore, a 2m +1 point estimated method is used to model the uncertainty of measurements to increase the adaptation with realistic operation condition. A modified Jaya algorithm is formulated to minimises four objective functions in an effective multi‐objective method where the network constraints are satisfied. The standard IEEE 30‐ and 57‐bus systems are used to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method. To investigate different aspects of the proposed formulation, different cases are proposed and the results obtained are compared. The obtained results show that the determined OPP by the proposed method can eliminate the effect of conventional bad measuring data and missing measurement devices.
Voltage unbalance compensation using new structure of decouple double synchronous reference frame in stand‐alone microgrids
Authors: Ahmadi Mojtaba , Karimi Shahram
Published: May 2020

In distribution networks, the voltage unbalance occurrence is inevitable. The voltage unbalance can have negative impacts on the customer equipment and the network performance if it exceeds the permissible limit. This study proposes a novel control strategy to compensate for the voltage unbalance in stand‐alone microgrids. The proposed control method applies to the inverter‐interfaced distributed generation units. The suggested control strategy is based on the decouple double synchronous reference frame (DDSRF) that is modified to improve its effectiveness. The modified DDSRF can effectively decouple the positive and negative sequence components. The simulation results depict that the proposed control strategy provides faster dynamic response and more effective voltage unbalance compensation comparing to the DSRF‐based control method.
Risk Factors of Asymptomatic Neurocognitive Impairment in People Living with HIV in an Indian Cohort
Authors: Gupta Salil , Venugopal Nirmala
Published: May 2020

Background Asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) in people living with HIV (PLWH) can lower quality of life, reduce drug compliance, increase unemployment, and reduce life expectancy.

Objective This study was aimed to identify risk factors of ANI in PLWH in an Indian cohort and explore the usefulness of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score (MoCA) as screening tools.

Methods PLWH under follow-up at an antiretroviral treatment center who were 18 to 60 years were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they had any cognitive symptoms, previous history of any central nervous system (CNS) pathology, or any systemic illness. Included patients were subjected to domain wise standardized neuropsychological battery. Six domains were screened including language, attention, speed, memory, sensory motor skills, and executive. Abnormal dysfunctional scores in at least two domains were taken as suggestive of ANI. The two groups thus created, ANI and normal cognition, were evaluated for differences. Variables evaluated as risk factors included age, sex, handedness, education, presence of at least one vascular risk factor, duration of disease, biochemical profile, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count (both current and nadir) HIV viral load, and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE). MMSE and MoCA were also done in all patients.

Statistical Analysis Regression analysis was used to find out significant variables. MMSE and MoCA scores were correlated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were also determined

Results Three hundred and eighty-four patients were included out of which 185 (48%) had ANI. In the multivariate regression analysis, female sex with odds Ratio (OR) of 1.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–2.79, p < 0.01), education below 10 years with OR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.56–3.80, p < 0.01) and presence of at least one vascular risk factor with OR = 2.52 (95% CI: 1.67–3.80, p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Both MMSE and MoCA had a high PPV (0.99 and 0.97, respectively) but poor NPV (0.64 and 0.75) below a score of 25 with MoCA scoring slightly better. Both, MMSE and MoCA correlated well with each other.

Conclusion Nearly half of our patients had ANI, despite being on ART. Majority of patients were on ART with CPE > 7 and had relatively preserved immune status. Female HIV patients with at least one vascular risk factor and less than 10 years of formal education were found to be at risk for ANI. MMSE and MoCA are not good screening tools to identify this condition.
Cost-Effective Home Mechanical Ventilation in Neurosurgery Patients: Case Series of Three Patients
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Chandra PS , Singh PK , Meena R , Doddamani R , Jagdevan A , Mishra S , Garg K
Published: May 2020

Background Neurological patients who are ventilator-dependent occupy scarce beds in the hospitals for prolonged periods of time. Most, if not all, can be discharged on home mechanical ventilation (HMV). However, due to lack of insurance and state support, it remains prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of those who require it most.

Materials and Methods The authors discuss three patients admitted in the Department of Neurosurgery between January and August 2019, who were discharged on HMV after remaining on ventilator support for prolonged period in the hospital. Each patient was discharged with two units (one as standby) of AgVa home ventilator (AgVa Healthcare; New Delhi, India), one Ambu-bag, one pulse oximeter, and one backup power supply unit capable of supplying power to ventilator for a minimum of 24 hours. All the equipment were given free-of-cost through donations by hospital staffs and other donors. All patients were followed up telephonically from their homes and the incidence of complications, ventilator malfunction, and additional cost of HMV on the families were ascertained.

Observation and Results Of the three patients, two were male and one female. Age ranged from 12 to 17 years. The duration of in-hospital ventilator support prior to discharge on HMV varied from 1 to 5 years. There was no insurance cover available for any of the patients with all expenses being “out of pocket.” The equipment cost Indian Rupees (INR) 115,700 (USD 1,615: two units of AgVa home ventilator costing INR 100,000 [USD 1,396], one Ambu-bag costing INR 1,100 [USD 15], one pulse oximeter costing INR 1,600 [USD 22], and one backup power supply unit costing INR 13,000 [USD 182]). Discharge on HMV was planned on specific request from patients’ families and informed consent was taken from all. All patients had tracheostomies. Mode of HMV was pressure support ventilation in all. Telephonic follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 months. The cost of disposables was INR 100 per month (USD 0.7) for all the patients. No complications occurred in any patient. There was no incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or ventilator malfunction.

Conclusions Availability of cost-effective indigenous ventilator like AgVa home has made HMV possible, even for poor patients with neurological diseases, and has the potential to improve quality of life, decrease VAP rates, and free up scarce ventilator beds in hospitals. Longer-term follow-up in larger number of patients will improve the data on safety and feasibility in developing countries like India.
Study of Risk Factors Associated with Suicide Attempt in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Type I
Authors: Subramanian Karthick , Menon Vikas , Sarkar Siddharth , Chandrasekaran Vigneshvar , Selvakumar Nivedhitha
Published: May 2020

Background Suicide is the leading contributor to mortality in bipolar disorder (BD). A history of suicidal attempt is a robust predictive marker for future suicide attempts. Personality profiles and coping strategies are the areas of contemporary research in bipolar suicides apart from clinical and demographic risk factors. However, similar research in developing countries is rarer.

Objectives The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with suicidal attempts in BD type I (BD-I).

Materials and Methods Patients with BD-I currently in clinical remission (N = 102) were recruited. Sociodemographic details and the clinical data were collected using a semistructured pro forma. The psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0. The National Institute of Mental Health–Life Chart Methodology Clinician Retrospective Chart was used to chart the illness course. Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory Short Form, Buss–Perry aggression questionnaire, Past Feelings and Acts of Violence, and Barratt Impulsivity scale were used to assess the patient’s stress scores, coping skills, aggression, violence, and impulsivity, respectively.

Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics were used for demographic details and characteristics of the illness course. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors for lifetime suicide attempt in BD-I.

Results A total of 102 patients (males = 49 and females = 53) with BD-I were included. Thirty-seven subjects (36.3%) had a history of suicide attempt. The illness course in suicide attempters more frequently had an index episode of depression, was encumbered with frequent mood episodes, especially in depression, and had a higher propensity for psychiatric comorbidities. On binary logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (ORs) for predicting a suicide attempt were highest for positive family history of suicide (OR: 13.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–145.38, p = 0.030), followed by the presence of an index depressive episode (OR: 6.88, 95% CI: 1.70–27.91, p = 0.007), and lower scores on problem-focused disengagement (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.92, p = 0.009).

Conclusion BD-I patients with lifetime suicide attempt differ from non-attempters on various course-related and temperamental factors. However, an index episode depression, family history of suicide, and lower problem-focused engagement can predict lifetime suicide attempt in patients with BD-I.
Haematological Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis
Authors: Morris Rhys J. , Roberts C. Heledd
Published: May 2020

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a widely used and recommended method to prevent deep vein thrombosis. While the haemodynamic effects of IPC are well understood, the objective of this systematic review was to analyse the evidence for additional haematological changes. Forty-eight studies were identified where the haematological effects of IPC were measured. The many differences between the studies prevented meta-analysis, but there was a significant amount of evidence that global fibrinolytic activity was increased by IPC, and that levels of D-dimer and tissue factor pathway inhibitor in the blood also increased. There was less consistent evidence for changes in tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor and other fibrinolytic parameters. The evidence for changes in pro-coagulant factors and many measures of platelet activation was weak, but there was evidence for increases in prostacyclin. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that IPC does produce haematological changes, but not enough data to clarify the detail of those changes or to determine if it is mediated more by direct compression of the blood vessels, or by the flow changes.
Transcranial Doppler for Monitoring and Evaluation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: R. Pradeep , Gupta Dhananjay , Shetty Nikith , Bhushan Anjani Kumar , Haskar Krishna , Gogineni Sujana , Mehta Anish , Javali Mahendra , Acharya Purshottam T. , Srinivasa Rangasetty
Published: May 2020

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of unknown origin, characterized by features of raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Existing literature is inconclusive about the role of transcranial Doppler (TCD) in the management of IIH.

Objective To study the TCD changes in IIH patients, pre- and post-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage.

Materials and Methods This was a prospective study, conducted between July 2017 and December 2019, in a tertiary care referral center in South India. Sixteen consecutive patients, suspected to have IIH, underwent magnetic resonance imaging ofthe brain, a baseline TCD, and lumbar puncture with CSF drainage and pressure monitoring. Post-CSF drainage, TCD was repeated and mean flow velocities, peak systolic velocities, end-diastolic velocities, and pulsatility index (PI), in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), vertebral artery, and basilar artery (BA) were noted. Thirteen patients had elevated CSF pressure, and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for IIH. These patients were included in the final analysis and pre- and post-CSF drainage TCD blood flow velocities and PI were compared.

Results The mean age of study participants was 29.92 ± 6.92 years. There was a significant reduction in the cerebral flow velocities in bilateral MCA, after CSF drainage and normalization of ICP. Flow velocities in posterior circulation and PI in MCA, PCA, and BA showed an insignificant reduction. Two patients, who did not show any reduction in flow velocities after CSF drainage, developed optic atrophy on follow-up.

Conclusion TCD-derived systolic blood flow velocities can be used in the management and follow-up of patients with IIH.
Polarised luminescence of bismuth active centres in germanosilicate glasses
Authors: Riumkin K.E. , Firstov S.V. , Khegai A.M. , Kharakhordin A.V. , Alyshev S.V. , Melkumov M.A.
Published: May 2020

We have studied polarised luminescence of bismuth active centres in germanosilicate glasses. The 1.4-μm luminescence components with orthogonal polarisation states under excitation with linearly polarised light at λ = 1.26 μm have been shown to differ in intensity. The degree of polarisation reaches ∼0.12. Increasing the concentration of bismuth active centres leads to a decrease in the degree of polarisation of luminescence in the range studied.
Possibility of reducing nonlinear distortions of a frequency response of a gas ring laser with a periodic alternating frequency bias
Authors: Zolotoverkh I.I. , Lariontsev E.G.
Published: May 2020

We report a theoretical study of the dependence of the beat frequency of counterpropagating waves on the rotation velocity in a gas ring laser with a periodic alternating frequency bias. Rectangular biases of two types are considered: with constant amplitude and with periodic amplitude modulation. We have found dynamic zones for locking-in the counterpropagating wave frequencies and determined deviations of the frequency response from the ideal one that arise when measuring frequency nonreciprocities, close in magnitude to the amplitude of an alternating frequency bias. It is shown that in the case of a rectangular bias with periodic amplitude modulation, nonlinear distortions of the frequency response can be reduced by an order of magnitude.
The influence of waveguide doping on the output characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs lasers
Authors: Telegin K.Yu. , Ladugin M.A. , Andreev A.Yu. , Yarotskaya I.V. , Volkov N.A. , Padalitsa A.A. , Lobintsov A.V. , Aparnikov A.N. , Sapozhnikov S.M. , Marmalyuk A.A.
Published: May 2020

The influence of doping of waveguide layers on the output characteristics of lasers based on AlGaAs/GaAs double separate-confinement heterostructures is analysed. The heterostructures with narrow and broadened waveguides are studied. Samples of laser diode bars with undoped and doped waveguide layers are experimentally fabricated and compared. It is shown that the latter type of structures with a broadened waveguide allows one to increase the output power of the laser diode bars by 10 % – 15 %, all other conditions being equal.
On the operational meaning and practical aspects of using the security parameter in quantum key distribution
Authors: Trushechkin A.S.
Published: May 2020

We discuss the operational meaning of a commonly accepted security parameter in quantum key distribution, which is based on the trace distance. We separately consider the cases of using a key in a one-time pad and in a computationally secure cipher. Some practical aspects of using the security parameter are also elucidated, which are usually not paid enough attention in theoretical studies and which therefore may cause difficulties for experimentalists and engineers. It is shown that a one-time pad requires not only a higher key generation rate than computationally secure ciphers, but also a significantly stronger condition on the key security parameter.
Influence of birefringent fibre joints on the visibility drift in a Mach – Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Krylov G.M. , Fat’yanov O.V. , Duplinskii A.V.
Published: May 2020

It is shown that imperfect joints of linear birefringent fibres in a fibre interferometer may result in an uncontrolled visibility drift under varying environmental conditions even with a standard phase matching device. As an example, a double Mach – Zehnder interferometer is considered, which is employed in schemes of quantum key distribution. Results of numerical simulation demonstrate the standard deviation of the quantum bit error rate (QBER), which is comparable to an average QBER value.
Possibilities of using practical limitations of an eavesdropper in quantum cryptography
Authors: Avanesov A.S. , Kronberg D.A.
Published: May 2020

An important advantage of quantum cryptography over classical cryptography consists in the fact that the security of the transmitted keys is not related to the assumptions about the eavesdropper capabilities and is guaranteed by the laws of nature. Nevertheless, in some situations it makes sense to consider some reasonable assumptions about the eavesdropper capabilities, which can increase the secret key distribution rate. Methods are proposed for legitimate users to employ some practical limitations, and attacks are constructed that the eavesdropper can apply under the conditions of these limitations.
Genetic analysis and fine-mapping of Soybean mosaic virus SC7 and SC13 resistance genes in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Luan Hexiang , Zhong Yongkun , Wang Dagang , Ren Rui , Gao Le , Zhi Haijian
Published: May 2020

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most destructive pathogens of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) worldwide. In this study, 184 F7:11 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from Kefeng No. 1 × Nannong 1138-2 were used to study the inheritance and linkage mapping of resistance genes against SMV strains SC7 and SC13 in Kefeng No. 1. Two independent dominant genes (designated Rsc7 and Rsc13) that control resistance to SC7 and SC13 were located on a molecular linkage group (MLG) of chromosome 2 (D1b). A mixed segregating population was developed by self-pollination of three heterozygous plants of residual heterozygous lines (RHL3-27, RHL3-30, RHL3-53) with five markers linked to the loci, and was used in fine-mapping of Rsc7 and Rsc13. In addition, Rsc7 was fine-mapped between BARCSOYSSR_02_0667 and BARCSOYSSR_02_0670 on MLG D1b. The genetic distance between the two closest markers was 0.7 cM and the physical distance of the interval was ~77 kb, which included one LRR gene and another gene containing an F-box region. Two SSR markers (BARCSOYSSR_02_0610 and BARCSOYSSR_02_0621) were closely linked to the SC13 resistance gene. The physical distance where Rsc13 was located was ~191 kb. Sequence analysis showed that there were two K-box region types of transcription factor genes; GmHSP40 and two serine/threonine protein kinase (STK) genes were the most likely candidate genes. These results will facilitate map-based cloning of the Rsc7 and Rsc13 genes and development of transgenic disease-resistant varieties, and will provide SMV-resistance breeding systems with excellent resistance germplasm.