bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater sound to probe sea ice melting in the Arctic during winter
Authors: Mahanty Madan M. , Latha G. , Venkatesan R. , Ravichandran M. , Atmanand M. A. , Thirunavukarasu A. , Raguraman G.
Published: September 2020

Over a 4-year period between 2015 and 2019, in-situ time series measurements of ocean ambient noise over the frequency range 100 Hz to 10 kHz, by an autonomous passive acoustic monitoring system have been made in the Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Arctic. We characterize the noise due to sea ice melting during winter (December–January). This unique observation reveals loud noise signatures, of the order of 8 dB higher than the background noise, showing the signature of sea ice melting. Such observations are crucial for monitoring sea ice melting, especially during winter, to understand the recent warming of Arctic waters. The anomalous air temperature due to local atmospheric forcing and warming of ocean temperature in the fjord through ocean tunneling, individually or combinedly, is responsible for such sea ice melting. The cyclonic events in the Arctic are responsible for the anomalous atmospheric and ocean conditions, causing sea ice melting in winter.
Uptake and predictors of colonoscopy use in family members not participating in cascade genetic testing for Lynch syndrome
Authors: Hadley Donald W. , Eliezer Dina , Addissie Yonit , Goergen Andrea , Ashida Sato , Koehly Laura
Published: September 2020

Cascade genetic testing provides a method to appropriately focus colonoscopy use in families with Lynch syndrome (LS). However, research suggests that up to two-thirds at risk to inherit LS don’t participate. Within the United States, no studies have assessed colonoscopy use within this elusive and high-risk subset. We set forth to (1) document colonoscopy use within those not undergoing genetic testing (NGT) and (2) identify factors associated with completing colonoscopy. Data came from a cross sectional survey of families with molecularly confirmed LS. One hundred seventy-six (176) adults participated; 47 of unknown variant status and 129 with variant status known (59 carriers/70 non-carriers). Despite a high level of awareness of LS (85%) and identical recommendations for colonoscopy, NGT reported significantly lower use of colonoscopy than carriers (47% vs. 73%; p = 0.003). Our results show that perceived risk to develop colon cancer (AOR = 1.99, p < 0.05) and physician recommendations (AOR = 7.64, p < 0.01) are significant predictors of colonoscopy use across all family members controlling for carrier status. Given these findings, health care providers, should assess patients’ perceived risk to develop cancer, assist them in adjusting risk perceptions and discuss recommendations for colonoscopy with all members in families with LS.

Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00004210.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) accelerates renal cell fibrosis under high glucose condition through NOX4/ROS/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Jayachandran Isaivani , Sundararajan Saravanakumar , Venkatesan Saravanakumar , Paadukaana Sairaj , Balasubramanyam Muthuswamy , Mohan Viswanathan , Manickam Nagaraj
Published: September 2020

We previously reported that the circulatory level of Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, was increased in diabetic kidney disease patients. However, the mechanism and the role of ADMA in diabetic kidney injury remain unclear. Hence, our principal aim is to investigate the causal role of ADMA in the progression of renal cell fibrosis under high glucose (HG) treatment and to delineate its signaling alterations in kidney cell injury. High Glucose/ADMA significantly increased fibrotic events including cell migration, invasion and proliferation along with fibrotic markers in the renal cells; whereas ADMA inhibition reversed the renal cell fibrosis. To delineate the central role of ADMA induced fibrotic signaling pathway and its downstream signaling, we analysed the expression levels of fibrotic markers, NOX4, ROS and ERK activity by using specific inhibitors and genetic manipulation techniques. ADMA stimulated the ROS generation along with a significant increase in NOX4 and ERK activity. Further, we observed that ADMA activated NOX-4 and ERK are involved in the extracellular matrix proteins accumulation. Also, we observed that ADMA induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was decreased after NOX4 silencing. Our study mechanistically demonstrates that ADMA is involved in the progression of kidney cell injury under high glucose condition by targeting coordinated complex mechanisms involving the NOX4- ROS-ERK pathway.
GPS-telemetry unveils the regular high-elevation crossing of the Himalayas by a migratory raptor: implications for definition of a “Central Asian Flyway”
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Gupta Urvi , Jhala Yadvendradev V. , Qureshi Qamar , Gosler Andrew G. , Sergio Fabrizio
Published: September 2020

Remote technologies are producing leapfrog advances in identifying the routes and connectivity of migratory species, which are still unknown for hundreds of taxa, especially Asian ones. Here, we used GPS-telemetry to uncover the migration routes and breeding areas of the massive population of migratory Black-eared kites wintering around the megacity of Delhi-India, which hosts the largest raptor concentration of the world. Kites migrated for 3300–4800 km along a narrow corridor, crossing the Himalayas at extremely high elevations (up to > 6500 m a.s.l.) by the K2 of the Karakoram Range and travelled long periods at elevations above 3500 m. They then crossed/circumvented the Taklamakan Desert and Tian Shan Range to reach their unknown breeding quarters at the intersection between Kazakhstan, Russia, China and Mongolia. Route configuration seemed to be shaped by dominant wind support and barrier avoidance. Wintering ranges were smaller than breeding ranges and concentrated around Delhi, likely in response to massive human food-subsidies. Our results illustrate that high-elevation crossings by soaring migrants may be more common than previously appreciated and suggest the delineation of a hitherto poorly-appreciated “Central Asian Flyway”, which must funnel hundreds of thousands of migrants from central Asia into the Indian subcontinent via multiple modes of the Himalayan crossing.
Microtiter plate-based antibody-competition assay to determine binding affinities and plasma/blood stability of CXCR4 ligands
Authors: Harms Mirja , Gilg Andrea , Ständker Ludger , Beer Ambros J. , Mayer Benjamin , Rasche Volker , Gruber Christian W. , Münch Jan
Published: September 2020

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is involved in several intractable disease processes, including HIV infection, cancer cell metastasis, leukemia cell progression, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, CXCR4 represents a promising drug target and several CXCR4 antagonizing agents are in preclinical or clinical development. Important parameters in drug lead evaluation are determination of binding affinities to the receptor and assessment of their stability and activity in plasma or blood of animals and humans. Here, we designed a microtiter plate-based CXCR4 antibody competition assay that enables to measure inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) and affinity constants (Ki values) of CXCR4 targeting drugs. The assay is based on the observation that most if not all CXCR4 antagonists compete with binding of the fluorescence-tagged CXCR4 antibody 12G5 to the receptor. We demonstrate that this antibody-competition assay allows a convenient and cheap determination of binding affinities of various CXCR4 antagonists in living cells within just 3 h. Moreover, the assay can be performed in the presence of high concentrations of physiologically relevant body fluids, and thus is a useful readout to evaluate stability (i.e. half-life) of CXCR4 ligands in serum/plasma, and even whole human and mouse blood ex vivo. Thus, this optimized 12G5 antibody-competition assay allows a robust and convenient determination and calculation of various important pharmacological parameters of CXCR4 receptor-drug interaction and may not only foster future drug development but also animal welfare by reducing the number of experimental animals.
An efficient microinjection method to generate human anaplasmosis agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum-infected ticks
Authors: Taank Vikas , Ramasamy Ellango , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: September 2020

Ticks are important vectors that transmit several pathogens including human anaplasmosis agent, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This bacterium is an obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogen. An infected reservoir animal host is often required for maintenance of this bacterial colony and as a source for blood to perform needle inoculations in naïve animals for tick feeding studies. In this study, we report an efficient microinjection method to generate A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks in laboratory conditions. The dense-core (DC) form of A. phagocytophilum was isolated from in vitro cultures and injected into the anal pore of unfed uninfected Ixodes scapularis nymphal ticks. These ticks successfully transmitted A. phagocytophilum to the murine host. The bacterial loads were detected in murine blood, spleen, and liver tissues. In addition, larval ticks successfully acquired A. phagocytophilum from mice that were previously infected by feeding with DC-microinjected nymphal ticks. Transstadial transmission of A. phagocytophilum from larvae to nymphal stage was also evident in these ticks. Taken together, our study provides a timely, rapid, and an efficient method not only to generate A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks but also provides a tool to understand acquisition and transmission dynamics of this bacterium and perhaps other rickettsial pathogens from medically important vectors.
Neo-antigens for the serological diagnosis of IgE-mediated drug allergic reactions to antibiotics cephalosporin, carbapenem and monobactam
Authors: Peña-Mendizabal Edurne , Morais Sergi , Maquieira Ángel
Published: September 2020

New antigens deriving from -lloyl and -llanyl, major and minor determinants, respectively, were produced for β-lactam antibiotics cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, meropenem and aztreonam. Twenty β-lactam antigens were produced using human serum albumin and histone H1 as carrier proteins. Antigens were tested by multiplex in vitro immunoassays and evaluated based on the detection of specific IgG and IgE in the serum samples. Both major and minor determinants were appropriate antigens for detecting specific anti-β-lactam IgG in immunised rabbit sera. In a cohort of 37 allergic patients, we observed that only the minor determinants (-llanyl antigens) were suitable for determining specific anti-β-lactam IgE antibodies with high sensitivity (< 0.01 IU/mL; 24 ng/L) and specificity (100%). These findings reveal that not only the haptenisation of β-lactam antibiotics renders improved molecular recognition events when the 4-member β-lactam ring remains unmodified, but also may contribute to develop promising minor antigens suitable for detecting specific IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This will facilitate the development of sensitive and selective multiplexed in vitro tests for drug-allergy diagnoses to antibiotics cephalosporin, carbapenem and monobactam.
Genopo: a nanopore sequencing analysis toolkit for portable Android devices
Authors: Samarakoon Hiruna , Punchihewa Sanoj , Senanayake Anjana , Hammond Jillian M. , Stevanovski Igor , Ferguson James M. , Ragel Roshan , Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Deveson Ira W.
Published: September 2020

The advent of portable nanopore sequencing devices has enabled DNA and RNA sequencing to be performed in the field or the clinic. However, advances in in situ genomics require parallel development of portable, offline solutions for the computational analysis of sequencing data. Here we introduce Genopo, a mobile toolkit for nanopore sequencing analysis. Genopo compacts popular bioinformatics tools to an Android application, enabling fully portable computation. To demonstrate its utility for in situ genome analysis, we use Genopo to determine the complete genome sequence of the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in nine patient isolates sequenced on a nanopore device, with Genopo executing this workflow in less than 30 min per sample on a range of popular smartphones. We further show how Genopo can be used to profile DNA methylation in a human genome sample, illustrating a flexible, efficient architecture that is suitable to run many popular bioinformatics tools and accommodate small or large genomes. As the first ever smartphone application for nanopore sequencing analysis, Genopo enables the genomics community to harness this cheap, ubiquitous computational resource.
Benzene-assisted photoionization positive ion mobility spectrometry coupled with a time-resolved introduction for field detecting dimethyl sulfide in seawater
Authors: Peng Liying , Guo Yu , Gu Ting , Li Haiyang , Jian Shan , Jia Dai , Sun Jun
Published: September 2020

Biogenic dimethyl sulfide (DMS) has attracted widespread attention over several decades due to its potential role in linking ocean biology and climate.
Online energy-resolved MS boosts the potential of LC-MS towards metabolite characterization of salidroside and tyrosol
Authors: Ke Zhang , Ting Li , Xing-Cheng Gong , Li-Bo Cao , Jun Li , Peng-Fei Tu , Qing-Qing Song , Yue-Lin Song
Published: September 2020

LC-3D MS was configured by MS1, MS2 and online ER-MS as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dimensions, respectively, and demonstrated as an eligible pipeline to reveal in depth the metabolism patterns of salidroside and its aglycone tyrosol in rat.
Green facile synthesis to develop nanoscale coordination polymers as lysosome-targetable luminescent bioprobes
Authors: Karim Suhana , Mukherjee Somali , Mahapatra Supratim , Parveen Rumana , Das Debasis
Published: September 2020

A facile green hand grinding technique has been adopted towards the design of three nanoscale crystalline materials that serves as an excellent selective bio tracker for intracellular lysosome.
Size effects of Pd nanoparticles supported over CeZrPAl for methane oxidation
Authors: Du Junchen , Zhao Depeng , Wang Chengxiong , Zhao Yunkun , Li Hong , Luo Yongming
Published: September 2020

Pd nanoparticles accompanied with distorted morphology result in considerable active sites and enhance the intrinsic activity for catalytic methane oxidation.
Direct dissolution of UO2in carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquids in the presence or absence of Fe-containing ionic liquids
Authors: Yao Aining , Xiong Xiaogen , Kang Mingliang , Guo Yanan , Chen Chong , Chu Taiwei
Published: September 2020

Direct dissolution of UO2in carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquids was achieved, and the addition of Fe-containing ionic liquids would improve the dissolution kinetics.
The construction of resveratrol-loaded protein–polysaccharide–tea saponin complex nanoparticles for controlling physicochemical stability and in vitro digestion
Authors: Wei Yang , Li Chang , Dai Lei , Zhang Liang , Liu Jinfang , Mao Like , Yuan Fang , Gao Yanxiang
Published: September 2020

The novel zein–propylene glycol alginate (PGA)–tea saponin (TS) ternary complex nanoparticles were fabricated to deliver resveratrol.
IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and miRNAs are involved in whole grain highland barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) ameliorating hyperglycemia of db/db mice
Authors: Deng Na , Guo Ruixue , Zheng Bisheng , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: September 2020

The present investigation further unravels the underlying molecular mechanism of WGH on T2DM: IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and related miRNA expression.
CTL–doxorubicin (DOX)–gold complex nanoparticles (DOX–AuGCs): from synthesis to enhancement of therapeutic effect on liver cancer model
Authors: Liu Qiqian , Liu Hui , Sacco Pasquale , Djaker Nadia , Lamy de la Chapelle Marc , Marsich Eleonora , Li Xiaowu , Spadavecchia Jolanda
Published: September 2020

In this work, we bring a rapid way to conceive a fast methodology, in which DOX and Au(iii) ions were complexed with a hydrochloride-lactose-modified chitosan (CTL) and polymer (PEG), leading to hybrid nanoparticles (DOX–AuGSs).
Origin of the luminescence spectra width in perovskite nanocrystals with surface passivation
Authors: Yoon Yung Jin , Shin Yun Seop , Park Chan Beom , Son Jung Geon , Kim Jae Won , Kim Hyeon Seo , Lee Woojin , Heo Jungwoo , Kim Gi-Hwan , Kim Jin Young
Published: September 2020

Surface passivation for narrow blue emission spectra with perovskite nanocrystals.
Effects of carbon nanotube-mediated Caspase3 gene silencing on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac function during early acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Yi , Yu Hong , Zhao Liang , Zhu Yuting , Bai Rui , Jin Zhigeng , Fu Zhenhong , Zhang Xuyi , Su Jinhua , Liu Huiliang , Shi Xiaoli , Han Dong , Chen Yundai
Published: September 2020

Caspase3 gene silencing based on the gene transfer carrier F-CNT-siCas3 had obvious protective effects on myocardial cell apoptosis, ventricular remodeling, and cardiac function in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after coronary artery ligation.
Stimuli-responsive non-ionic Gemini amphiphiles for drug delivery applications
Authors: Rashmi  , Singh Abhishek K. , Achazi Katharina , Ehrmann Svenja , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: September 2020

This paper shows the synthesis of stimuli responsive Gemini amphiphiles sensitive to Glutathione and hydrolase.
Impact of amino acids on the aqueous self-assembly of benzenetrispeptides into supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes
Authors: Klein Tobias , Ulrich Hans F. , Gruschwitz Franka V. , Kuchenbrod Maren T. , Takahashi Rintaro , Fujii Shota , Hoeppener Stephanie , Nischang Ivo , Sakurai Kazuo , Brendel Johannes C.
Published: September 2020

The choice of the amino acid unit in benzenetrispeptide-PEO conjugates allows to fine-tune the self-assembly strength and to control the resulting solution morphologies in water.
Tunable magnetic anisotropy in 2D magnets via molecular adsorption
Authors: Tang Cheng , Zhang Lei , Du Aijun
Published: September 2020

2D magnetism can be significantly tuned by organic molecular adsorption through the electrostatic effects.
Automatische Erkennung von epilepsietypischen Potenzialen und
Anfällen im EEG
Authors: Baumgartner Christoph , Hafner Sebastian , Koren Johannes P.
Published: September 2020

Die Elektroenzephalografie (EEG) ist der wichtigste apparative Eckpfeiler in
der Diagnostik und Therapieführung bei Epilepsien. Die visuelle
EEG-Befundung stellt dabei nach wie vor den Goldstandard dar. Automatische
computerunterstützte Methoden zur Detektion und Quantifizierung von
interiktalen epilepsietypischen Potenzialen und Anfällen
unterstützen eine zeitsparende, objektive, rasch und jederzeit
verfügbare quantitative EEG-Befundung.
Arthroscopic treatment for nonunion of the scaphoid
Authors: Haugstvedt Jan Ragnar , Wong Clara Wing-yee
Published: September 2020

Scaphoid nonunion has traditionally been treated by open surgery where the pseudarthrosis has been cleaned while either a structural wedged bone graft, or chips of cancellous bone has been used to fill the defect. K-wires or a screw has been used to stabilize the bone. Using the arthroscopic technique for treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid gives us small exposure to the joint, however with an excellent view of the bones, the articular surfaces and the intraarticular ligaments. The results from arthroscopic treatment for scaphoid nonunion with bone grafting using chips of cancellous bone are as good as from the open technique. The arthroscopic treatment, though, helps us to diagnose and treat concomitant lesions. There is less damage of blood supply, nerves and capsule, which might lead to a faster recovery and rehabilitation. The technique will be described and discussed.
Klinische und bildgebende Diagnostik der Kahnbeinfraktur und -pseudarthrose
Authors: Fodor Stefan Georg , Christopoulos Georgios , Lehmkuhl Lukas , Prommersberger Karl-Josef , Mühldorfer-Fodor Marion
Published: September 2020

Klinische und radiologische Diagnostik sind die Grundlage jeder differenzierten Therapieplanung karpaler Pathologien. Gerade bei der Kahnbeindiagnostik sind nicht nur die Auswahl und korrekte Durchführung der bildgebenden Verfahren entscheidend, sondern es müssen auch deren methodische Limitationen berücksichtig werden. Kaum eine andere Fraktur wird so häufig nicht erkannt, da nicht abgeklärt oder übersehen. Gleichzeitig führen die Folgen einer verspätet und/oder nicht behandelten Kahnbeinfraktur zu aufwändigen, nicht immer erfolgreichen Folgetherapien und langfristig zu funktionellen Einschränkungen. Diese Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die klinische und bildgebende Diagnostik bei Kahnbeinfrakturen und -pseudarthrosen.
Timing of Emergency Postpartum Hospital Visits in the Fourth Trimester
Authors: Rodriguez Aldeboran N. , Patel Shivani , Macias Devin , Morgan Jamie , Kraus Alexandria , Spong Catherine Y.
Published: September 2020

Objective The concept of the “fourth trimester” emphasizes the importance of individualized postpartum follow-up. Women seek care for urgent issues during this critical time period. Our objective was to evaluate trends in presenting complaints and admissions in an emergency setting over the first 42 days following delivery.

Study Design Postpartum hospital encounters within 42 days of delivery at our institution from 2015 to 2019 were studied. Demographic information, delivery route, and emergent hospital encounter details were obtained from the electronic medical record. The postpartum encounters were analyzed by week of presentation. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test and Mantel–Haenszel test with p <0.05 considered significant.

Results Of the 8,589 deliveries, 491 (5.7%) were complicated by an emergent hospital presentation within 42 days of delivery resulting in 576 hospital encounters. 35.9% of these visits occurred in the first week and 75.5% occurred within the first 3 weeks. Women presenting to the hospital were more commonly African American, higher body mass index, and delivered via cesarean. The most common chief complaints were fever, headache, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, hypertension, and wound concerns with temporal trends noted. 72% of admissions occur within 14 days of delivery and drop dramatically thereafter (p = 0.001). The most common diagnoses were hypertension/preeclampsia with severe features, vaginal bleeding/delayed postpartum hemorrhage, and wound infection.

Conclusion We observed important trends in presenting complaints and admission diagnoses of emergency postpartum visits in the first 42 days. The majority of hospital visits and admissions occur within the first 2 weeks postpartum. Understanding maternal conditions and reasons for accessing care through an emergency setting allows for tailoring of routine postpartum follow-up.

Key Points
Safety of Metoclopramide in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Jaadi Said Al , Al-Kindi Yahya , Al-Saadi Tariq
Published: September 2020

Introduction Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur due to severe head assault to a hard object, with headache and vomiting being amongst the most common presenting symptoms. Metoclopramide is an old antiemetic agent that has been used widely for nausea and vomiting in TBI patients.

Aim A systematic review of the literature to investigate the safety of metoclopramide in treating TBI patients.

Methods A literature review was conducted in six databases, where we determined the pertinence of a study to the inclusion criteria by assessing the title, keywords, and abstracts. Five studies were found to be relevant. Data were extracted using multiple variables that were formulated incongruent with the study aim and then further analyzed.

Results The collective sample size was 93 patients with an average of age 38.5 years. As much as 51.6% were male and 48.6% were females. Most patients received 10 mg metoclopramide IV with a percentage of 77.4%, while only 22.5% received 20 mg IV metoclopramide. Seventy-one patients received metoclopramide alone and 22 received combination therapy. Headache was the most common reported side effect (46.2%), followed by anxiety and drowsiness with (39.7%) and (27.9%), respectively. Fatigue was reported in 24.7%, while dystonia was the least common and developed in only 5.3% of patients.

Conclusion Metoclopramide is a common medication used to treat TBI patients in the emergency department. However, the review demonstrated that the central nervous system (CNS) side effect is excepted. Treatments with lower CNS side effects may be better options.
Liver-Directed Therapy for Gastroenteropancreatic NETs in the Era of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Gonzalez-Aguirre Adrian , Ziv Etay
Published: September 2020

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. Current treatment algorithms for these tumors are complex and often require a multidisciplinary approach. Recently, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) was granted Food and Drug Administration approval, making this treatment widely available in the United States. PRRT is now another therapeutic option for patients with GEP-NETs. To date there are no consensus guidelines about how to sequence multiple treatment options. Moreover, there is concern of potential liver toxicity when PRRT is used before or after liver-directed therapies (LDTs). In this review, we describe the characteristics of the most commonly used LDT and their potential interactions with PRRT, as well as specific clinical scenarios that are relevant when deciding on the use of LDT. We also review the limited case series that have been published involving patients treated with different combinations of LDT and PRRT. Finally, we discuss some of the future directions for GEP-NET treatments.
Physical activity behaviour and barriers to activity in adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Rhodes Sarah , Waters Debra , Brockway Ben , Skinner Margot
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONPhysical inactivity is a risk factor for disease severity among people with obstructive sleep apnoea.
AIMTo determine physical activity levels in patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea and explore their perceptions about barriers to participation in physical activity.
METHODSThis was a cross-sectional observational study. Eligible participants were adults with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥11, awaiting prioritisation for a diagnostic overnight sleep study at the local sleep clinic. Sixty participants (mean age±standard deviation: 51±12 years) each attended an individual appointment. Anthropometric measurements were taken and standardised questionnaires regarding quality of life, physical activity behaviour and perceptions of physical activity were completed.
RESULTSOver one-third of the cohort did not meet World Health Organization guidelines for weekly physical activity. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity were also more prevalent in this subgroup. Low motivation and pain were commonly reported barriers to activity in participants not meeting the physical activity guidelines. Overall, 53 (88%) participants stated they would like to be more active.
DISCUSSIONPhysical inactivity represents an additional risk factor for adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. Lack of motivation and pain were the most commonly perceived barriers to participation in activity. Physical activity interventions tailored to the individual, and including a motivational component, need to be included as integral components of management to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors more effectively in this group.
Management of the emergency response to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak in Stockholm, Sweden, and winter preparations
Authors: Ohrling Mikael , Øvretveit John , Lockowandt Ulf , Brommels Mats , Sparring Vibeke
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONSweden is unique in adopting a ‘no-lockdown’ public health approach to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak. There were fears that health services would not be able to care for high numbers of COVID-19 patients.
AIMTo describe and review the emergency response of a public primary and community health-care organisation in Stockholm, Sweden, to the demand for care for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients during March–July 2020, and summarise preparations for the months to follow.
METHODSThis was a rapid implementation action research case study, which also draws on one author’s experience as Chief Executive Officer and other members’ experience in an emergency management group.
RESULTSSweden experienced similar mortality per million population to the UK, despite the different public health strategy used to address the COVID-19 outbreak. The Stockholm-integrated public primary and community health-care service, serving a population of 2.3 million, made many changes quickly. One change included coordinating non-acute private health-care services, following the local government emergency directive to do so.
DISCUSSIONIt is possible that the fast and effective response by management and services in primary and community health care reduced infection and hospital demand, which contributed to a lower mortality than otherwise expected. The actions and preparations described for Stockholm’s response may provide ideas for other health-care systems. The partnership research approach between the Karolinska Medical University and the Region Stockholm health-care system used in this project shows that rapid research methods have advantages for both partners in an emergency situation.
The magnitude and impact of the 431 CE Tierra Blanca Joven eruption of Ilopango, El Salvador
Authors: Smith Victoria C. , Costa Antonio , Aguirre-Díaz Gerardo , Pedrazzi Dario , Scifo Andrea , Plunkett Gill , Poret Mattieu , Tournigand Pierre-Yves , Miles Dan , Dee Michael W. , McConnell Joseph R. , Sunyé-Puchol Ivan , Harris Pablo Dávila , Sigl Michael , Pilcher Jonathan R. , Chellman Nathan , Gutiérrez Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Significance

The Tierra Blanca Joven eruption of Ilopango occurred during Maya times but the exact timing and its impact have been controversial. It was thought to be responsible for the anomalously cold decade experienced in the Northern Hemisphere centered at 540 CE, but this date is at odds with archeological evidence that suggests a date near the start of the Early Classic Period (pre-450 CE). Our precise age of 431 ± 2 CE allows us to pinpoint the eruption in proxy records and shows that its impact was apparently limited. It appears to have only had major effects on populations within ∼80 km of the volcano, where the regions were blanketed by decimeters of ash fallout and pyroclastic density currents.
The dependency of red Rubisco on its cognate activase for enhancing plant photosynthesis and growth
Authors: Gunn Laura H. , Martin Avila Elena , Birch Rosemary , Whitney Spencer M.
Published: September 2020

Significance

The specialized assembly requirements of Rubisco hamper its bioengineering in plants, especially in regard to transforming in “red” Rubiscos from algae with better CO
2
-fixing properties that could enhance crop photosynthesis and growth. We show this assembly incompatibility does not extend to the “red” type Rubisco from
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. Despite evolving from a different phylogenetic lineage to plant Rubisco, the assembly requirements of
Rs
Rubisco are readily met in chloroplasts as well as
Escherichia coli
. Coexpressing its cognate Rubisco activase enhanced
Rs
Rubisco activity and improved plant photosynthesis and growth twofold.
Rs
Rubisco provides a protein scaffold for red Rubisco bioengineering in
E. coli
and plants—requiring future optimisation of chloroplast
Rs
Rubisco expression and catalytic repair.
Impacts of different shapes of nanoparticles on SiO
2 nanofluid flow and heat transfer in a liquid film over a stretching sheet
Authors: Bibi Sobia , Elahi Zaffer , Shahzad Azeem
Published: September 2020

The present study manipulates the unsteady film flow and heat transfer of SiO
2 water nanofluid over a stretching sheet under convective boundary conditions. Governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and then solved using BVP4C in MATLAB. The impact of multi-shape SiO
2 nanoparticles along with other pertinent parameters, such as Prandlt, Eckert and biot-number on flow and heat transfer characteristics is examined via graphical simulations. Moreover, the skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt number are also computed and tabulated, numerically. The study reveals that platelet shape of SiO
2 nanoparticles possess the high flow and heat transfer rate. In addition, temperature profile enhances by augmenting volume-fraction parameter and biot-number but the reverse trend is found for slip parameter.
Research on interpolation of NURBS curve based on fractional power
Authors: Zhu Hao , Wang Mulan , Wang Baosheng
Published: September 2020

According to the problem of discontinuous of jerk and low rate of federate change in S-shape federate control method, a jerk-limited federate control scheme which reduces the shock to machine tool in interpolating is presented. The constraints are analyzed from the angle of bow height error and acceleration. The simulation result shows that this method can improve the feed speed faster, realize the smooth transition of acceleration, and reduce NURBS Flexible impact on machine tool during curve interpolation.
Frequency response calculations of carbon nanotube based nanothermophones
Authors: Hu Hanping , Zhang Kai , Wang Dongdong
Published: September 2020

Due to the extraordinary high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity, carbon nanotube (CNT) has shown a great potential as a thermo-acoustic (TA) material recently. It can be used to fabricate novel TA loudspeaker free of magnets and moving parts, a promising device that directly converts thermal energy into acoustic energy. In this paper, we have systemically analysed the frequency responses of the dot/wire/film TA emission from CNTs by using the equations we derived for acoustic field of TA emission from point source and arbitrary source. Formulas used for TA calculation from near-field to far-field can be the same. The dependence of sound pressure level (SPL)-frequcecy response of all kinds of CNT based nanothermophones on distance and angle are investigated in detail. It is found that TA sound pressure fluctuates in near-field, while increases linearly with logarithmic frequency in far-field. The amplitude of near-field fluctuation increases with increasing distance, but the frequency cycle of the fluctuation decreases and tends to be a constant depending on angle. These studies lay the foundation for further development of CNT based nanothermophones.
Design and analysis based on RecurDyn of the electric crawler type remote controlled hedge trimmer
Authors: Zhan Ziquan , Si Guimao , Zhi Jingjing , Liu Le
Published: September 2020

The electric crawler type remote controlled hedge trimmer is designed to reduce the emission and change the present status that hedges on the both sides of the highway are trimmed manually, which wastes much time and increase the labor costs. The hedge trimmer is designed in this article according to the working conditions and objects; the author analyses its dynamic stability in the typical working environments by RecurDyn. And the research indicates that the electric crawler type remote controlled hedge trimmer has the reasonable design to perform a great dynamic stability.
An algorithm of eliminating spike of the measured excavator load spectrum signal based on peak-valley extraction
Authors: Xiang Qingyi , Wang Penghui , Li Yao
Published: September 2020

The spike of the original measured load spectrum signal has great influence on the fatigue life prediction, so it must be identified and eliminated accurately. According to the variation law of the strain and force signals collected by the excavator load spectrum test, and the characteristics of the spikes contained therein, a spike elimination algorithm based on “peak-valley extraction” was proposed. In this algorithm, the spikes of digital signal is discriminated and corrected according to the changing trend of signal. The results of both the simulation test and the industrial example show that, the algorithm based on “peak-valley extraction” can accurately distinguish the spike from the normal signal. The principle of the algorithm is clear, the computational complexity is low, and the result is true and reliable, which lays a data foundation for the subsequent fatigue life prediction and fatigue reliability evaluation.
Current situation and key technology analysis of downhole blow-out preventer
Authors: Wang Guo , Wang Zhihua , Niu Xinming , Deng Song , Liu Yali , Fan Hongkang , Hu Yanfeng , Ma Dongju
Published: September 2020

It is difficult to meet the safety requirements of the existing well control technology with oil & gas exploration and development to deep complex formation. Therefore, it is important to carry out the analysis and research work of new blow out preventers. The downhole blowout preventer can provide a sealing well near the drill bit, which could eliminate the overflow in the bud. Thus, the downhole blowout preventer will be an additional protect barrier for the existing well control procedure. This paper introduces domestic and foreign downhole BOP situation, and analysis the structure and technical features of these downhole BOPs. The author discusses key technology of downhole BOP on the basis of analyzing the defect of the existing technology. It could be helpful for the research of downhole blowout preventer.
Adaptive inverse of piezoelectric bimorph actuator with Prandtl-Ishlinskii model for wide-band tracking control
Authors: Chen Yuansheng , Wang Zhou , Wang Hao , Chen Changshun
Published: September 2020

A major defect of piezoelectric bimorph actuators is that the control accuracy is limited by the hysteresis nonlinearity, especially in the wide band. In this paper, an adaptive control method is proposed for hysteresis compensation. A comparison of PID control, inverse control with Prandtl-Ishlinskii (PI) model, adaptive inverse control with PI model, adaptive inverse control with correction network were performed in wide-band tracking application. The experimental results demonstrate that in low frequency conditions (0.1Hz∽1Hz), the above methods have good control performances, and the tracking error is not much different, but under high frequency conditions (5Hz~20Hz), the tracking error of adaptive with PI model and adaptive inverse control with correction network are much better, the RMS tracking error of the piezoelectric bimorph actuators has been reduced from 0.3013 to 0.0489, the experimental results show it performs well in wide-band application.
Research on coating method of thermal conduction silicone grease for spacecraft equipment based on stencil printing
Authors: Guo Tao , Wang Dongmei , Guo Zhanping , Fan Xing , Zhang Zhilong
Published: September 2020

Thermal conduction silicone grease coating is one of the most important methods for passive temperature control of spacecraft equipment. It is difficult to have quantitative control over coating thickness and coating uniformity by manual coating method. This paper introduces the application, coating method and heat transfer mechanism of thermal conduction silicone grease, and proposes a thermal conduction silicone grease coating method for spacecraft equipment based on stencil printing. Also, this paper proves that the method is feasible with pull-off test, thermal vacuum test and thermal conduction test. The test results found that the contact rate of thermal conduction silicone grease with stencil coating is higher than that with manual coating; stencil coating does not cause abnormal overflow of thermal conduction silicone grease; the thermal conduction with stencil coating is nearly the same as that with manual coating.
Modelling of squeeze film between parallel rectangular plates of finite length considering inertia effects
Authors: Li Xueping , Luo Xinhao , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2020

Squeeze film of finite length rectangular plate is widely used in MEMS devices, immersion lithography machines and other engineering fields. The damping force of squeeze film of finite length rectangular plates can be obtained by multiplying the solution of infinite length rectangular plates with a correction factor depending on the aspect ratio. Whether the correction factor is the same for the inertia force is attractive to be studied. The distributions of velocity and pressure are obtained by solving the 3D Navier–Stokes(NS) equations with free and half sealed outlets, which shows the leakage of flow in the length direction causes the drop of maximum pressure comparing with the infinite case, which is about 56.6% for square plates. The squeeze film force ratios for 3D to 2D models with different aspect ratios have been obtained under the conditions of different film thickness, viscosity and rectangular width. It is concluded that the correction factor of damping force can be used to modify the inertia force. The damping and inertia coefficients can be easily extracted from the modified analytical solution of parallel rectangular squeeze film with finite length, which can be applied to the modelling of system dynamics.
An optimization and test method for ducted fans based on CFD
Authors: Liu Liang , Lyu Qiongying , Liu Guosong
Published: September 2020

Some unmanned aircrafts with ducted fan systems are characterized by high efficiency, structural safety and good stability. As a major part of such aircrafts, the ducted fan plays an important role in performance. However, changes in the fan blade structure will influence the fan action. First, from a manufacturing point of view, materials and gate positions were selected. The injection molding process parameters were optimized based on an orthogonal testing analysis method, and this optimization process reduced the warpage by 36.4%. Then, the flow fields of the ducted fans in the theoretical and deformed models were compared and analyzed with SolidWorks computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Finally, the wind velocity values at different distances from the nozzle outlet of the ducted fan were obtained using a wind speed measurement experiment system. The results from the model comparisons showed that fan blade deformation reduced the wind speed by approximately 5%.
An intelligent design method and system for the silage harvester cutter
Authors: Fan Baoxin , Niu Kang , Yang Qizhi , Zhou Liming , Yuan Yanwei , Fang Xianfa
Published: September 2020

An intelligent design method is proposed to meet the requirements of multi-functional, customization and diversification of the silage harvester cutter. A reasoning model is built based on axiomatic design method. A hierarchical mapping structure and a design case library model are established. A precise search method classified by function is designed on the basis of the grey relational analysis. An intelligent design system for silage harvester cutter is developed according to axiomatic design and exemplary reasoning technology. A physical cutter is designed and manufacture. It turns out that the intelligent design system for silage harvester cutter works well. The intelligent design system can be used to design product efficiency and effectively.
Structural condition monitoring system of steam/water piping in thermal power plant and its application
Authors: Wan Yu , Yin Jiyang , Jin Chuanling , Liu Shitao
Published: September 2020

In view of the steam/water piping outside the boiler of thermal power unit, considering its spatial structure characteristics of long distance, large drop and the working conditions under high temperature, high pressure and flexible operation. On the base of the static and dynamic analysis of the structure, the key nodes and parameters of monitoring were selected, the method of sensor installation and debugging was put forward, which was easy to maintain and reliable. A distributed monitoring data acquisition and digital processing analysis system was developed. The monitoring results showed that the monitoring system ran stably and reliably, and the test data of each node could accurately reflect the structural state of the piping. The monitoring system has a strong engineering application value.
Thermal stress analysis of refractory linings in a hot blast stove
Authors: Hwang Yeong-Maw , Lee Yu-Min
Published: September 2020

The functions of hot blast stoves are to transfer the waste heat in the exhaust gas from a blast furnace to checker bricks in the center of a hot blast stove, then transfer the heat from the elevated checker bricks to newly input fresh air. After that, the heated fresh air is sent back to the blast furnace to continue the chemical reaction. Heat exchange is performed by the checker bricks and the refractory silica bricks at inner layer of linings. The middle layer of the linings is composed of refractory insulation bricks and outer layer is covered with a steel shell to maintain structural stability. Refractory bricks are brittle materials, and their allowable tensile strength is low. A finite element software ANSYS APDL is used to analyse heat transfer in the multi-layer refractory bricks. The temperature distribution in the refractory bricks in the radial direction are obtained. Thermal stress and strain in the refractory linings are investigated to design the layout of the refractory bricks and the space width between the insulation bricks. The results show that if the gas temperature near the inner surface of the linings is 1250°C, the total thickness of the insulation bricks in the radial direction should be larger than 420 mm to make the surface temperature of the steel shell lower than 120°C. The simulation results can be used as a guideline for the refractory linings design.
Research on a new open water-brake method for double-track rocket sled test
Authors: Xia Hongli , Hu Bing , Tian Jianming , Lv Shuiyan
Published: September 2020

Aiming at the problem of water-brake recovery for double-track rocket sled, an open water-brake method based on U-groove structure was proposed and the structural model was established. Under the condition of commonly used requirements, the brake effect was evaluated through the classic fluid mechanics theory, and the brake efficiency and safety were studied using two analytical methods of fluid-structure interaction and statics. The results showed that the open water-brake method was feasible in principle. Compared with the water bucket, the open brake device had the advantages of simple structure and convenient processing, and the phenomenon of water blockage would not occur and affect the brae efficiency and test safety. At the same brake speed, the open brake device could generate higher brake force. Recommendations for follow-up work were given before the open water-brake method was officially put into use.
Design of a compact microwave-absorbing load based on sintered material FeSiAl
Authors: Zhang Fang , Shen Lianguan , Pei Yuanji
Published: September 2020

The dummy load in the terminal of traveling wave tubes is an important component of compact high-power electron linear accelerators. To develop high-power loads and miniaturize the accelerators, a microwave-absorbing material FeSiAl coated by a special sintering process is employed to enhance the efficiency of attenuation. Based on the method of multistate and multithickness, the complex permittivity and permeability of the material FeSiAl was obtained. And the design of a compact S-band dummy load was done by means of an engineering design and analysis system. With a very short length of less than 250mm, this dummy load is able to dissipate 10kW residual power to ensure the security of the accelerator. It can provide an important reference for the design of the high-power compact dummy load.