bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Errors From Asymmetric Emission Rate in Spaceborne, Limb Sounding Doppler Interferometry: A Correction Algorithm With Application to ICON/MIGHTI
Authors: Wu Yen‐Jung J. , Harding Brian J. , Triplett Colin C. , Makela Jonathan J. , Marr Kenneth D. , Englert Christoph R. , Harlander John M. , Immel Thomas J.
Published: August 2020

The Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) on NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission is designed to measure the neutral wind and temperature between 90 and ∼300 km altitude. Using the Doppler Asymmetric Spatial Heterodyne (DASH) spectroscopy technique, observations from MIGHTI can be used to derive thermospheric winds by measuring Doppler shifts of the atomic oxygen red line (630.0 nm) and green line (557.7 nm). Harding et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214‐017‐0359‐3) (Harding17) describe the wind retrieval algorithm in detail and point out the large uncertainties that result near the solar terminators and equatorial arcs, regions of large spatial gradients in airglow volume emission rates (VER). The uncertainties originate from the assumption of a constant VER at every given altitude, resulting in errors where the assumption is not valid when limb sounders, such as MIGHTI, observe regions with significant VER gradients. In this work, we introduce a new wind retrieval algorithm (Wu20) with the ability to account for VER that is asymmetric along the line of sight with respect to the tangent point. Using the predicted ICON orbit and simulated global VER variation, the greatest impact of the symmetric airglow assumption to the ICON vector wind product is found within 30° from the terminator when the spacecraft is in the dayside, causing an error of at least 10 m/s. The new algorithm developed in this study reduces the error near the terminator by a factor of 10. Although Wu20 improves the accuracy of the retrievals, it loses precision by 75% compared to Harding17.
Drones Help Bridge the Gaps in Assessing Global Change
Authors: Evans Ogden Lesley
Published: August 2020

New instruments in the research tool kit bolster scientific understanding of the ecology of a greening Arctic.
Robust Longitudinally Variable Responses of the ITCZ to a Myriad of Climate Forcings
Authors: Atwood Alyssa R. , Donohoe Aaron , Battisti David S. , Liu Xiaojuan , Pausata Francesco S. R.
Published: August 2020

We evaluate the longitudinal variation in meridional shifts of the tropical rainbelt in response to natural and anthropogenic forcings using a large suite of coupled climate model simulations. We find that the energetic framework of the zonal mean Hadley cell is generally not useful for characterizing shifts of the rainbelt at regional scales, regardless of the characteristics of the forcing. Forcings with large hemispheric asymmetry such as extratropical volcanic forcing, meltwater forcing, and the Last Glacial Maximum give rise to robust zonal mean shifts of the rainbelt; however, the direction and magnitude of the shift vary strongly as a function of longitude. Even the Pacific rainband does not shift uniformly under any forcing considered. Forcings with weak hemispheric asymmetry such as CO2 and mid‐Holocene forcing give rise to zonal mean shifts that are small or absent, but the rainbelt does shift regionally in coherent ways across models that may have important dynamical consequences.
Dynamics of Bioluminescence Potential and Physical, Bio‐Optical Properties on the Shelf and Shelf‐Slope of Delaware Bay
Authors: Shulman Igor , Penta Bradley , Anderson Stephanie , Moline Mark A. , Oliver Matthew J. , Cohen Jonathan H. , Hudson Katherine
Published: August 2020

The dynamics of physical and bio‐optical properties on the shelf and the shelf‐slope break areas offshore of the Delaware Bay were investigated. Compared to monthly means, there were elevated daily freshwater outflows. Glider observations demonstrated significant changes in bio‐optical properties before and after sampling fresher water masses. Prior to sampling fresher water masses, the glider observations exhibited a coincidence of high values in bioluminescence (BL) potential, chlorophyll, and optical backscattering. However, as the glider started to sample fresher water masses, there was a gradual decoupling of high values in BL potential with the high values in chlorophyll and optical backscattering. This indicates a shift from an autotrophic and mixotrophic toward a more heterotrophic bioluminescent community between water masses. During the glider survey, a high chlorophyll filament was observed by satellite ocean color imagery along the shelf‐slope break of the Delaware Bay. The high chlorophyll filament had weakened and disappeared in satellite imagery over the next 2 days when upwelling was progressing, and the glider started to sample fresher water masses. The filament was on the dense side of the shelf‐slope front, and the glider observations indicated a subduction of high chlorophyll values into subsurface (below the fresher surface water masses) with high values of BL potential deeper than high values of chlorophyll. The studies presented here are the first BL potential studies on the shelf and the shelf slope areas of the Delaware Bay, as well as the first studies of BL potential resulted from deployments of the glider with BL potential sensor on board.
An Index Intercomparison for MJO Events and Termination
Authors: Stachnik Justin P. , Chrisler Brett
Published: August 2020

The Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) is a significant contributor to climate variability in the tropics. While many studies have examined the MJO, few have considered its termination. Multiple indices exist to track and forecast the MJO although the influence of each index on MJO decay has not been documented. This study presents an intercomparison of several MJO indices for a 34‐year period to examine the evolution of MJO events and comprises an index‐specific climatology for MJO termination. We present an analysis of common indices including the OLR‐based MJO index (OMI) and filtered OMI (FMO) in addition to the real‐time multivariate MJO (RMM) and velocity potential MJO (VPM) index. Normalized empirical orthogonal function comparisons reveal only minor shifts in longitude and time in the corresponding convection and circulation anomalies between indices. The daily rate‐of‐change (ROC) for each index is derived, and we find that the RMM and VPM indices experience twice as large of daily amplitude changes as the univariate indices. Results from the ROC analysis are implemented in an MJO event identification algorithm to study the sensitivity of MJO termination to changes in the temporary minimum amplitude and threshold used to define events. The corresponding counts of primary, continuing, and circumnavigating events are recorded with primary events being robust to changes in the temporary minimum amplitude. Finally, an MJO climatology is created that presents MJO termination as a function of phase for each index. Physical reasons behind differences in the termination climatology are proposed in addition to applications for future work.
Large‐Scale Cenozoic Wind Erosion in the Puna Plateau: The Salina del Fraile Depression
Authors: McMillan Mitchell , Schoenbohm Lindsay M.
Published: August 2020

Wind erosion is integral to the evolution of arid landscapes on Earth and Mars, but the nature of long‐term wind erosion of bedrock is poorly understood. Here we describe the Salina del Fraile (SdF) depression in the Puna Plateau of the Central Andes, NW Argentina, as a landform excavated by wind over several million years. New structural cross sections and a compilation of chronostratigraphic ages rule out the hypothesis that the depression was created by transtensional tectonics. Dated remnant lacustrine and alluvial deposits in the floor of the depression constrain the rate and timing of erosion. Late Oligocene‐Miocene compressional folding uplifted friable strata that were preferentially eroded, resulting in the high‐relief (900 m) depression. Up to 1.95 km and an average of 1.05 km of strata were eroded during the last 8.2 to 17 Ma, at rates of 0.06 to 0.23 mm/yr. These rates are similar to long‐term average wind erosion rates reported in other regions. Coarse‐grained eolian megaripples, yardangs, and elongated ridges indicate ongoing eolian abrasion and deflation, aided by salt weathering, of the floor of the depression. Megaripple migration across stony lag surfaces exposes fresh bedrock to continued erosion. The SdF also contains kilometer‐scale mesas and ridges that we interpret as erosional remnants. These landforms are similar to megayardangs and erosional topography identified on the lower flanks of Mount Sharp, Gale crater, Mars. In such hyperarid landscapes characterized by lithologic heterogeneities, high‐relief landforms can be generated and sustained by wind erosion, without significant fluvial or glacial incision.
Ice Cover and Extreme Events Determine Dissolved Oxygen in a Placid Mountain Lake
Authors: Flaim G. , Andreis D. , Piccolroaz S. , Obertegger U.
Published: August 2020

A decrease in hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen (DO) is a commonly seen effect of climate change. However, in oligotrophic Lake Tovel (Italy), a deep mountain lake, annual mean DO (% saturation) has increased from near anoxia to >20% in the bottom layer (35–39 m). We analyzed long‐term patterns of DO (1937–2019) using different methods (correlation and trend analysis, identification of extreme events) to link DO to drivers and indices of mixing. While spring mixing remained temporally limited, later ice‐in (5.1 days decade−1) and the positive relationship between ice‐in and DO the following year evidenced autumn mixing as the main driver for hypolimnetic DO increase. Extreme meteorological events also replenished hypolimnetic DO. Using DO and conductivity (1995–2019), we identified 14 deep mixing events with hypolimnetic DO > 40%. Density‐based indices (Schmidt stability, relative thermal resistance, Lake Number, and Wedderburn Number) only partially captured these events that were related to snowmelt, flooding, and cold spells during spring and autumn, with a carryover effect sometimes lasting >1 year. Recently, annual mean DO in the upper layer decreased beyond temperature‐dependent solubility. This decrease was not comprehensively confirmed by statistical tests but was possibly linked to atmospheric stilling. We suggest that Lake Tovel's shift from meromixis to dimixis was driven by climate warming (i.e., increasing air temperature 0.6°C decade−1) that delayed ice‐in and increased autumn mixing. Our work underlines the vulnerability of mountain lakes and their different response to climate change with respect to more studied lowland lakes.
Artificial gauge field switching using orbital angular momentum modes in optical waveguides
Authors: Jörg Christina , Queraltó Gerard , Kremer Mark , Pelegrí Gerard , Schulz Julian , Szameit Alexander , von Freymann Georg , Mompart Jordi , Ahufinger Verònica
Published: August 2020

The discovery of artificial gauge fields controlling the dynamics of uncharged particles that otherwise elude the influence of standard electromagnetic fields has revolutionised the field of quantum simulation. Hence, developing new techniques to induce these fields is essential to boost quantum simulation of photonic structures. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of an artificial gauge field in a photonic lattice by modifying the topological charge of a light beam, overcoming the need to modify the geometry along the evolution or impose external fields. In particular, we show that an effective magnetic flux naturally appears when a light beam carrying orbital angular momentum is injected into a waveguide lattice with a diamond chain configuration. To demonstrate the existence of this flux, we measure an effect that derives solely from the presence of a magnetic flux, the Aharonov-Bohm caging effect, which is a localisation phenomenon of wavepackets due to destructive interference. Therefore, we prove the possibility of switching on and off artificial gauge fields just by changing the topological charge of the input state, paving the way to accessing different topological regimes in a single structure, which represents an important step forward for optical quantum simulation.
HyperKvasir, a comprehensive multi-class image and video dataset for gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Borgli Hanna , Thambawita Vajira , Smedsrud Pia H. , Hicks Steven , Jha Debesh , Eskeland Sigrun L. , Randel Kristin Ranheim , Pogorelov Konstantin , Lux Mathias , Nguyen Duc Tien Dang , Johansen Dag , Griwodz Carsten , Stensland Håkon K. , Garcia-Ceja Enrique , Schmidt Peter T. , Hammer Hugo L. , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål , de Lange Thomas
Published: August 2020

Artificial intelligence is currently a hot topic in medicine. However, medical data is often sparse and hard to obtain due to legal restrictions and lack of medical personnel for the cumbersome and tedious process to manually label training data. These constraints make it difficult to develop systems for automatic analysis, like detecting disease or other lesions. In this respect, this article presents HyperKvasir, the largest image and video dataset of the gastrointestinal tract available today. The data is collected during real gastro- and colonoscopy examinations at Bærum Hospital in Norway and partly labeled by experienced gastrointestinal endoscopists. The dataset contains 110,079 images and 374 videos, and represents anatomical landmarks as well as pathological and normal findings. The total number of images and video frames together is around 1 million. Initial experiments demonstrate the potential benefits of artificial intelligence-based computer-assisted diagnosis systems. The HyperKvasir dataset can play a valuable role in developing better algorithms and computer-assisted examination systems not only for gastro- and colonoscopy, but also for other fields in medicine.
Elimination of the internal electrostatic field in two-dimensional GaN-based semiconductors
Authors: Jia Yuping , Shi Zhiming , Hou Wantong , Zang Hang , Jiang Ke , Chen Yang , Zhang Shanli , Qi Zhanbin , Wu Tong , Sun Xiaojuan , Li Dabing
Published: August 2020

GaN-based semiconductors are promising materials for solid-state optoelectronic applications. However, the strong internal electrostatic field (IEF) along the [0001] direction is a serious problem that harms the efficiency of lighting devices based on GaN-based semiconductors due to the quantum confined Stark effect. Here we theoretically predict a method, reducing the dimensions from bulk to two-dimensional (2D) structures, to fundamentally remove the IEF. After thinning the materials to several nanometers, the wurtzite configuration (with strong IEF) spontaneously transform to the haeckelite (4 | 8) configuration (without IEF) due to the more stable neutral surface in the 4 | 8 configuration. Meanwhile, the 4 | 8 configuration maintain optoelectronic properties comparable to or even better than those of the wurtzite configuration. By carefully analyzing the interaction between 2D GaN and different types of substrates (SiC and graphene), we not only provide clear physical insights for experimental results but also address a “thickness-controlled” vdW epitaxy scheme to experimentally realize the 4 | 8 configuration. We believe that the 4 | 8 configuration without IEF is a prospective material for diverse optoelectronic applications. In addition, we propose a point of view in engineering the properties of GaN-based semiconductors.
Artificial intelligence manages congenital cataract with individualized prediction and telehealth computing
Authors: Long Erping , Chen Jingjing , Wu Xiaohang , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Liming , Jiang Jiewei , Li Wangting , Zhu Yi , Chen Chuan , Lin Zhuoling , Li Jing , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Hui , Guo Chong , Zhao Lanqin , Nie Daoyao , Liu Xinhua , Liu Xin , Dong Zhe , Yun Bo , Wei Wenbin , Xu Fan , Lv Jian , Li Min , Ling Shiqi , Zhong Lei , Chen Junhong , Zheng Qishan , Zhang Li , Xiang Yi , Tan Gang , Huang Kai , Xiang Yifan , Lin Duoru , Zhang Xulin , Dongye Meimei , Wang Dongni , Chen Weirong , Liu Xiyang , Lin Haotian , Liu Yizhi
Published: August 2020

A challenge of chronic diseases that remains to be solved is how to liberate patients and medical resources from the burdens of long-term monitoring and periodic visits. Precise management based on artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise; however, a clinical application that fully integrates prediction and telehealth computing has not been achieved, and further efforts are required to validate its real-world benefits. Taking congenital cataract as a representative, we used Bayesian and deep-learning algorithms to create CC-Guardian, an AI agent that incorporates individualized prediction and scheduling, and intelligent telehealth follow-up computing. Our agent exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in both internal and multi-resource validation. We integrate our agent with a web-based smartphone app and prototype a prediction-telehealth cloud platform to support our intelligent follow-up system. We then conduct a retrospective self-controlled test validating that our system not only accurately detects and addresses complications at earlier stages, but also reduces the socioeconomic burdens compared to conventional methods. This study represents a pioneering step in applying AI to achieve real medical benefits and demonstrates a novel strategy for the effective management of chronic diseases.
Maternal dietary imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids triggers the offspring’s overeating in mice
Authors: Sakayori Nobuyuki , Katakura Masanori , Hamazaki Kei , Higuchi Oki , Fujii Kazuki , Fukabori Ryoji , Iguchi Yoshio , Setogawa Susumu , Takao Keizo , Miyazawa Teruo , Arita Makoto , Kobayashi Kazuto
Published: August 2020

The increasing prevalence of obesity and its effects on our society warrant intensifying basic animal research for understanding why habitual intake of highly palatable foods has increased due to recent global environmental changes. Here, we report that pregnant mice that consume a diet high in omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and low in omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs (an n-6high/n-3low diet), whose n-6/n-3 ratio is approximately 120, induces hedonic consumption in the offspring by upregulating the midbrain dopaminergic system. We found that exposure to the n-6high/n-3low diet specifically increases the consumption of palatable foods via increased mesolimbic dopamine release. In addition, neurodevelopmental analyses revealed that this induced hedonic consumption is programmed during embryogenesis, as dopaminergic neurogenesis is increased during in utero access to the n-6high/n-3low diet. Our findings reveal that maternal consumption of PUFAs can have long-lasting effects on the offspring’s pattern for consuming highly palatable foods.
Transplantation of insulin-like growth factor-1 laden scaffolds combined with exercise promotes neuroregeneration and angiogenesis in a preclinical muscle injury model
Authors: Alcazar Cynthia A. , Hu Caroline , Rando Thomas A. , Huang Ngan F. , Nakayama Karina H.
Published: August 2020

Spatially patterned nanofibrillar scaffolds laden with IGF-1 and coupled with voluntary exercise enhance tissue regeneration in the injured skeletal muscle.
Enhancing the enthalpic contribution of hydrogen bonds by solvent shielding
Authors: Cramer Jonathan , Jiang Xiaohua , Schönemann Wojciech , Silbermann Marleen , Zihlmann Pascal , Siegrist Stefan , Fiege Brigitte , Jakob Roman Peter , Rabbani Said , Maier Timm , Ernst Beat
Published: August 2020

Altering local dielectric properties induced by solvent shielding, enhances polar interactions and leads to enthalpically driven recognition of polar substrates.
Combinatorial discovery of thermoresponsive cycloammonium ionic liquids
Authors: Chu Yen-Ho , Hwang Chun-Chieh , Chen Chien-Yuan , Tseng Min-Jen
Published: August 2020

This work demonstrated, for the first time, the combinatorial discovery and rational identification of small-molecule cycloammonium-based thermoresponsive ionic liquids that exhibit LCST phase transition and carry attractive Tc values in water.
The binding modes of VIVO2+ions in blood proteins and enzymes
Authors: Sciortino Giuseppe , Garribba Eugenio
Published: August 2020

Herein, we report a combined approach of full DFT and MM techniques to unveil the binding sites and modes of VIVO2+ions with important blood proteins and enzymes and to explain their spectroscopic behaviour.
Cu-Catalyzed highly regioselective 1,2-hydrocarboxylation of 1,3-dienes with CO2
Authors: Zhang Penglin , Zhou Zhanglang , Zhang Rumeng , Zhao Qian , Zhang Chun
Published: August 2020

A novel Cu-catalyzed highly regioselective 1,2-hydrocarboxylation of terminal 1,3-dienes with CO2 to synthesize 2-benzyl-β,γ-unsaturated acid derivatives has been developed.
Direct electrochemical synthesis of oxygenates from ethane using phosphate-based electrolysis cells
Authors: Honda Yusuke , Fujiwara Naoya , Tada Shohei , Kobayashi Yasukazu , Oyama Shigeo Ted , Kikuchi Ryuji
Published: August 2020

Acetaldehyde and ethanol are produced at high rates by ethane partial oxidation at 220 °C and at atmospheric pressure using electrochemical cells.
Bottleable NiCl2(dppe) as a catalyst for the Markovnikov-selective hydroboration of styrenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron
Authors: Hashimoto Toru , Ishimaru Toshiya , Shiota Keisuke , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka
Published: August 2020

The commercially available and bottleable complex NiCl2(dppe) serves as a catalyst for the highly Markovnikov-selective hydroboration of styrene derivatives that affords the desired Markovnikov products in high yield.
One-pot solvothermal incorporation of graphene into chain-engineered polyquinones for metal-free supercapacitors
Authors: Li Hong , Zhang Xiaofang , Wang Xiaotao , Zhang Jianye , Yang Yingkui
Published: August 2020

Engineering macromolecular chain of polyquinones in combination with graphene to synergistically boost intrinsic capacitance and capacitive contribution via fast kinetics for high-performance supercapacitors.
One-pot synthesis of template-free hollow anisotropic CaCO3 structures: towards inorganic shape-mimicking drug delivery systems
Authors: Serov Nikita , Darmoroz Darina , Lokteva Alina , Chernyshov Ivan , Koshel Elena , Vinogradov Vladimir
Published: August 2020

A template-free approach for the formulation of hollow bacteria-like CaCO3-based pH-sensitive drug delivery systems (DDSs) with controllable anisotropy and click-release behavior is developed to make a step towards shape-mimicking DDSs.
Enhanced ion diffusion induced by structural transition of Li-modified borophosphene
Authors: Wang Shiping , Zhang Wei , Lu Cai , Ding Yanhuai , Yin Jiuren , Zhang Ping , Jiang Yong
Published: August 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to investigate the performance of borophosphene in lithium-ion batteries.
Dielectric relaxation of deep eutectic solvent + water mixtures: structural implications and application to microwave heating
Authors: Agieienko Vira , Buchner Richard
Published: August 2020

All dipolar species at their full individual strengths but synchronized in motion: structural implications of cooperative dynamics in glyceline/water and reline/water mixtures.
The physisorption mechanism of SO2 on graphitized carbon
Authors: Tan Shiliang Johnathan , Do D. D. , Chew Jia Wei
Published: August 2020

Functional groups on adsorbents do not play a role in the physisorption of sulfur dioxide (SO2), whereas small cracks and crevices on the adsorbents enhances the adsorption of SO2.
Visible light-promoted reactions with diazo compounds: a mild and practical strategy towards free carbene intermediates
Authors: Yang Zhen , Stivanin Mateus L. , Jurberg Igor D. , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: August 2020

Carbenes generated from visible light irradiation are readily accessible, highly reactive intermediates that have been recently applied in several organic reactions. An overview of the field including key features and examples is provided herein.
Anaerobic respiration pathways and response to increased substrate availability of Arctic wetland soils
Authors: Philben Michael , Zhang Lijie , Yang Ziming , Taş Neslihan , Wullschleger Stan D. , Graham David E. , Gu Baohua
Published: August 2020

Divergent soil biogeochemical conditions will determine the fate and pathways of labile carbon released during permafrost thaw, thereby influencing the production of greenhouse gas mixtures and radiative forcing of tundra soils.
Modulation of cytotoxicity by consecutive adsorption of tannic acid and pesticides on surfactant functionalized zeolites
Authors: Jevremović Anka , Božinović Nevena , Arsenijević Dragana , Marmakov Sanal , Nedić Vasiljević Bojana , Uskoković-Marković Snežana , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica , Milojević-Rakić Maja
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the environmental application of FAU type zeolites modified with cationic surfactants which act as promising adsorbents for tannic acid and pesticide and modulators of pesticide cytotoxicity.
A microfluidic chip for rapid analysis of DNA melting curves for BRCA2 mutation screening
Authors: Lin Xuyan , Nagl Stefan
Published: August 2020

A microfluidic chip for rapid space domain melting curve analysis of DNA fragments was developed and applied for the screening of a breast cancer gene.
Template-directed synthesis of Sm2Ti2O7 nanoparticles: a FRET-based fluorescent chemosensor for the fast and selective determination of picric acid
Authors: Kayhomayun Zohreh , Ghani Kamal , Zargoosh Kiomars
Published: August 2020

Fluorescence “turn off” detection of picric acid using a Sm2Ti2O7 nanoprobe.
Supported palladium catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides employing bench-stable CO and NH3 surrogates
Authors: Shaifali  , Sheetal  , Bains Rohit , Kumar Ajay , Ram Shankar , Das Pralay
Published: August 2020

An efficient and phosphine free synthesis of primary amides and phthalimides via aminocarbonylation and carbonylative cyclization has been demonstrated using bench stable CO and NH3 surrogates under recyclable Pd@PS catalyzed conditions.
Relaxation dynamics in see-saw shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnets
Authors: Harriman Katie L. M. , Murillo Jesse , Suturina Elizaveta A. , Fortier Skye , Murugesu Muralee
Published: August 2020

Unusual see-saw shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnets, [K(DME)n][LArDy(X)2] (LAr = {C6H4[(2,6-iPrC6H3)NC6H4]2}2−), X = Cl (1) and X = I (2) were synthesized and display high effective energy barriers (Ueff = 1278–1334 K) in zero field.
In situ growth of CoP nanoparticles anchored on (N,P) co-doped porous carbon engineered by MOFs as advanced bifunctional oxygen catalyst for rechargeable Zn–air battery
Authors: Wang Yongxia , Wu Mingjie , Li Jun , Huang Haitao , Qiao Jinli
Published: August 2020

CoP anchored N,P co-doped carbon as a bifunctional oxygen catalyst for Zn–air battery with high power density and charge–discharge stability.
Hole transport materials based on a twisted molecular structure with a single aromatic heterocyclic core to boost the performance of conventional perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lu Huiqiang , Wu Fei , Yang Yang , Li Shufang , Hua Yong , Zhu Linna
Published: August 2020

Single aromatic heterocycle core-based 2,7-DMPZ as a hole transport material endows perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 19.61%.
Identifying Predictors of Levator Veli Palatini Muscle Contraction During Speech Using Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Pua Schleif Eshan , Pelland Catherine M. , Ellis Charles , Fang Xiangming , Leierer Stephen J. , Sutton Bradley P. , Kuehn David P. , Blemker Silvia S. , Perry Jamie L.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle shortening and maximum contraction velocity in adults with normal anatomy.

Method

Twenty-two Caucasian English-speaking adults with normal speech and resonance were recruited. Participants included 11 men and 11 women (
M
= 22.8 years,
SD
= 4.1) with normal anatomy. Static magnetic resonance images were obtained using a three-dimensional static imaging protocol. Midsagittal and oblique coronal planes were established for visualization of the velum and LVP muscle at rest. Dynamic magnetic resonance images were obtained in the oblique coronal plane during production of “ansa.” Amira 6.0.1 Visualization and Volume Modeling Software and MATLAB were used to analyze images and calculate LVP shortening and maximum contraction velocity.

Results

Significant predictors (
p
< .05) of maximum LVP shortening during velopharyngeal closure included mean extravelar length, LVP origin-to-origin distance, velar thickness, pharyngeal depth, and velopharyngeal ratio. Significant predictors (
p
< .05) of maximum contraction velocity during velopharyngeal closure included mean extravelar length, intravelar length, LVP origin-to-origin distance, and velar thickness.

Conclusions

This study identified six velopharyngeal variables that predict LVP muscle function during real-time speech. These predictors should be considered among children and individuals with repaired cleft palate in future studies.
Dysphagia-Related Caregiver Burden: Moving Beyond the Physiological Impairment
Authors: Shune Samantha E. , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The biopsychosocial ramifications of dysphagia are widespread. However, its influence on informal caregivers and families is often overlooked. Ultimately, the health and well-being of an entire family is central to care provision. This tutorial introduces readers to the current literature on dysphagia-related caregiver burden and third-party disability, illustrates the consequences of such burden on both caregivers and patients, and suggests strategies for better supporting patients' informal caregivers.

Conclusions

It is essential that speech-language pathologists recognize that the consequences of dysphagia are not limited to the impairment itself and acknowledge dysphagia's substantial impact on the entire family system. More general health care literature suggests that asking caregivers individual questions, modifying the language used to talk with them, providing them with targeted education and resources, and organizing support groups may all be beneficial for increased perceived support and self-efficacy. Ultimately, in order to best meet the needs of our patients with dysphagia, we must also better meet the needs of their families and other informal caregivers.
Data assimilation of post-irradiation examination data for fission yields from GEF
Authors: Siefman Daniel , Hursin Mathieu , Sjostrand Henrik , Schnabel Georg , Rochman Dimitri , Pautz Andreas
Published: August 2020

Nuclear data, especially fission yields, create uncertainties in the predicted concentrations of fission products in spent fuel which can exceed engineering target accuracies. Herein, we present a new framework that extends data assimilation methods to burnup simulations by using post-irradiation examination experiments. The adjusted fission yields lowered the bias and reduced the uncertainty of the simulations. Our approach adjusts the model parameters of the code GEF. We compare the BFMC and MOCABA approaches to data assimilation, focusing especially on the effects of the non-normality of GEF’s fission yields. In the application that we present, the best data assimilation framework decreased the average bias of the simulations from 26% to 14%. The average relative standard deviation decreased from 21% to 14%. The GEF fission yields after data assimilation agreed better with those in JEFF3.3. For Pu-239 thermal fission, the average relative difference from JEFF3.3 was 16% before data assimilation and after it was 12%. For the standard deviations of the fission yields, GEF’s were 100% larger than JEFF3.3’s before data assimilation and after were only 4% larger. The inconsistency of the integral data had an important effect on MOCABA, as shown with the Marginal Likelihood Optimization method. When the method was not applied, MOCABA’s adjusted fission yields worsened the bias of the simulations by 30%. BFMC showed that it inherently accounted for this inconsistency. Applying Marginal Likelihood Optimization with BFMC gave a 2% lower bias compared to not applying it, but the results were more poorly converged.
Flash Glucose Monitoring Improves Glucose Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Anti-diabetic Drug Medication
Authors: Chen Maoyuan , Li Huiqin , Shen Yun , Liu Bingli , Yan Renna , Sun Xiaojuan , Ye Lei , Lee Kok-Onn , Ma Jianhua , Su Xiaofei
Published: August 2020

Objective To investigate the effects of Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) on glucose profile in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) receiving anti-diabetic drug medication.

Methods This is a prospective non-randomized uncontrolled study. 111 people with T2DM were enrolled and received FGM for 14 days. There was no change of anti-diabetic medication during the 14 days. The plasma glucose concentration on day 2 was used as baseline and the day 13 was considered as study end point. The parameters to compare were mean plasma glucose (MPG), glucose variations, and incidence of hypoglycemia during the FGM period. The multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis was applied to determine the independent factors that affect MPG difference.

Results This study analyzed the data of a total of 111 people with T2DM (male 60 and female 51). The general clinical data of these patients were as follows: age: 65.0±6.7 years old; duration of diabetes: 11.6±6.8 years; HbA1c: 61.2±13.3 mmol/mol; body mass index (BMI): 25.2±3.2 kg/m². Using FGM, people with T2DM were able to change daily diet and exercise through which significant reductions in MPG on days 12 or 13 were achieved as compared with that of day 2 (P=0.04 or P=0.003, respectively). The glucose variations, such as standard deviation (SD) of plasma glucose, coefficient of variation (CV), and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), progressively declined starting from day 6 as compared with baseline (P=0.016, P=0.003, or P=0.012, respectively). The incremental area over the curve (AOC) of the hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) had a significant reduction starting from the day 3 (P=0.001). When people with T2DM were divided into 3 groups based on the tertile of HbA1c (high, middle, and low concentrations), the reduction of MPG in patients with high concentration of HbA1c were much larger than that in middle and low concentration group patients (P=0.001 for both). The incidence of hypoglycemia was improved in the low concentration group (P=0.017). The optimal frequency of scanning time required to maintain euglycemia was 11.7 times/day as calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Conclusion Using FGM to monitor glucose concentration at 11.7 times/day, people with T2DM can achieve a better glucose control in addition to anti-diabetic drug medication through changing daily diet and exercise, especially in patients with high concentration of HbA1c (>66.1 mmol/mol).
Praxisempfehlungen: Labordiagnostik bei akutem Koronarsyndrom
Authors: Haller Paul M. , Blankenberg Stefan
Published: August 2020

Die rasche Triagierung von Patienten mit Verdacht eines akuten Koronarsyndroms ist essenziell. Der zeitnahe Ausschluss eines akuten Myokardinfarktes kann Wartezeiten und Kapazitäten in den Notaufnahmen reduzierten. Eine rasche und präzise Identifikation von Patienten mit akutem Myokardinfarkt ist zur zeitgerechten Einleitung einer Therapie obligat. Vor allem nach Ausschluss eines akuten ST-Hebungsinfarktes mittels Elektrokardiogramm wird das weitere Vorgehen maßgeblich durch die Labordiagnostik bestimmt. Die Erfassung des myokardspezifischen Proteins Troponin mittels hoch-sensitiven Assays stellt als direkter Nachweis eines Myokardschadens den Goldstandard dar. Mithilfe Troponin-basierter Diagnosealgorithmen werden Patienten in Abhängigkeit ihres Risikos an einem akuten Myokardinfarkt zu leiden stratifiziert. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit fasst die aktuell verfügbare Literatur zur Labordiagnostik beim akuten Koronarsyndrom zusammen. Schwerpunkt hierbei ist die klinische Anwendung von (hoch-sensitiven) Troponin-Assays, der Einfluss von Begleiterkrankungen auf die Diagnostik sowie mögliche individuelle Anwendungskonzepte in der Diagnostik und Risikoprädiktion.
Soziale Ungleichheit und COVID-19: Sozialepidemiologische
Perspektiven auf die Pandemie
Authors: Wachtler Benjamin , Hoebel Jens
Published: August 2020

Die neue Coronavirus-Erkrankung (COVID-19) trifft bestimmte
Bevölkerungsgruppen stärker als andere. Sozialepidemiologische
Muster der Pandemie, die über Alters- und Geschlechterunterschiede
hinausgehen, sind bislang jedoch kaum erforscht. Für Deutschland liegen
bisher nur sehr wenige Befunde zu den sozialen Determinanten von COVID-19 vor.
Erste Berichte aus anderen westlichen Industrieländern lassen erkennen,
dass Menschen in sozioökonomisch deprivierten Regionen und People of
Color ein erhöhtes Risiko haben, schwer an COVID-19 zu erkranken und
daran zu versterben. Hierfür dürften soziale Ungleichheiten im
Infektionsrisiko, die sich durch unterschiedliche Lebens- und Arbeitsbedingungen
ergeben, wie auch soziale Ungleichheiten in der Suszeptibilität und den
Risikofaktoren für schwere COVID-19-Krankheitsverläufe,
insbesondere das Vorhandensein von Vorerkrankungen, eine wesentliche Rolle
spielen. Diese sind auch für Deutschland umfassend dokumentiert. Somit
kann angenommen werden, dass auch hierzulande Menschen mit einem niedrigen
sozioökonomischen Status besonders stark betroffen sein könnten,
was vermutlich erst im weiteren Verlauf der Pandemie mehr zutage treten wird.
Auch die sozialen, ökonomischen und psychosozialen Folgen der
Maßnahmen, die zur Eindämmung der Pandemie getroffen werden,
könnten verschiedene sozioökonomische Gruppen ungleich stark
treffen. Damit hat die COVID-19-Pandemie insgesamt das Potenzial, soziale und
gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten zu verstärken. Es braucht
sozialepidemiologische Untersuchungen des COVID-19-Geschehens, um
Maßnahmen des Gesundheits- und Infektionsschutzes zielgruppengerecht,
evidenzbasiert und unter Berücksichtigung gesundheitlicher
Chancengerechtigkeit weiterentwickeln zu können.
PSA-Screening: Sinnvoll oder Geldvernichtung?
Authors: Hammerer Peter
Published: August 2020

In Deutschland kommen derzeit 2 Früherkennungsverfahren für Prostatakrebserkrankungen zum Einsatz: die digital-rektale Untersuchung (DRU) und der Bluttest zur Messung von PSA. Während die DRU im gesetzlichen Früherkennungsangebot für Männer ab 45 Jahren enthalten ist und somit erstattet wird, steht der PSA-Test ausschließlich als individuelle Gesundheitsleistung zur Verfügung.

PSA ist ein Eiweiß, welches in der Prostata gebildet und in die Samenflüssigkeit abgegeben wird. Ein erhöhter PSA-Wert im Serum kann auf eine Prostatakrebserkrankung hinweisen, kann aber auch durch andere Ursachen wie eine Entzündung der Prostata oder Blase oder eine gutartige Vergrößerung der Prostata bedingt sein. Üblicherweise wird der PSA-Wert mit anderen klinischen Parametern kombiniert, um so eine Risikoabschätzung für eine Prostatakrebserkrankung zu ermöglichen.

Das IQWIG hat aktuell ein Gutachten zum Thema Prostatakrebsscreening mittels PSA-Test erstellt, das Fazit lautete: „Das Prostatakarzinomscreening mittels PSA-Test schadet deutlich mehr Männern durch Überdiagnosen als es Männern nutzt. Daher wird zusammenfassend festgestellt, dass der Nutzen des Prostatakarzinomscreenings mittels PSA-Test den Schaden nicht aufwiegt.“

Viele Fachgesellschaften haben diese Bewertung kritisiert, da diese dazu führen könne, dass Männer Früherkennungsuntersuchungen eher vermeiden und in der Konsequenz langjährige Belastungen durch Metastasen, lokale Symptome und Behandlungsfolgen durch Chemotherapien sowie die Mortalität zukünftig stark zunehmen können.

Fazit: Der PSA-Test kann Männer davor bewahren, an Prostatakrebs zu versterben. Allerdings sollten neben dem PSA-Wert klinische Parameter in die Bewertung mit einbezogen werden. Das Risiko eines alleinigen PSA-Testes ist die geringe Spezifität und die dadurch bedingte Verunsicherung und mögliche Überbehandlung.
Bowel Preparation for Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: Is There Still a Role for Polyethylene Glycol?
Authors: Collins Paul , Haslam Neil , Morris Anthony , Skouras Thomas , Bond Ashley
Published: August 2020

Objectives This study aimed to assess the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel cleansing on performance characteristics of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).

Materials and Methods Data from consecutive patients undergoing SBCE in the period before and after the introduction of PEG 2 L bowel cleansing with PEG were collated retrospectively. The indication, diagnostic yield (DY), clinical outcome, small bowel transit time, gastric transit time, and completion rate were recorded for each procedure.

Results Data from 286 patients were analyzed. PEG 2 L was not superior to 12-hour fasting for DY (66 [53%] vs. 76 [47%] patients [p = 0.348]), or DY for significant findings (findings requiring a further intervention or investigation; 29 [23%] vs. 52 [32%] patients [p = 0.090]).There was a trend toward an increased DY for significant findings in patients undergoing investigation for iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) receiving PEG 2 L that just failed to meet statistical significance (13 [31%] and 25 [21%] patients, respectively [p = 0.06]). Transit times and completion rates were unaffected by bowel cleansing.

Conclusion Bowel cleansing with PEG 2 L is not superior to fasting for overall DY in SBCE. PEG 2 L may confer an advantage for the detection of significant lesions in patient with IDA. Further investigation of optimal modes of bowel preparation is indicated.
Radiation driven Hohlraum using 2ω for ICF implosions at the NIF
Authors: Kritcher A. L. , Robey H. , Young C. , Olson R.
Published: August 2020

Radiation flux symmetry in laser-irradiated Hohlraum environments is difficult to model and control and relies on the details of plasma evolution and laser energy deposition in the harsh plasma-filled Hohlraum over the duration of the laser pulse. This study presents a conceptual design and assesses the feasibility of using lasers to create a radiation drive where the implosion symmetry relies mainly on radiation transport. In this design, the ends of a capsule containing Hohlraum are irradiated by drive laser beams that are shielded from the view of the capsule. This configuration enables the use of frequency doubled light that has a higher power and energy threshold for the current capability of NIF, up to 670 TW and ∼3.5 MJ. We estimate, using VISRAD benchmarked against HYDRA calculations, that the same drive conditions that are currently being achieved in hybridE experiments at the NIF 270–290 at the equator can be reached in this new geometry and large 6.4 mm diameter Hohlraums. The radiation drive asymmetries in this design can be mitigated by shimming the capsule ablator thickness or through tailoring the shape of the shielding to the laser spots.
Efficient yet accurate dispersion-corrected semilocal exchange–correlation functionals for non-covalent interactions
Authors: Patra Abhilash , Jana Subrata , Constantin Lucian A. , Samal Prasanjit
Published: August 2020

The meta-generalized-gradient approximation (meta-GGA) of the exchange–correlation energy functional can provide appealing performance for the wide range of quantum chemistry and solid-state properties. So far, several meta-GGAs are proposed by fitting to the test sets or/and satisfying as many as known exact constraints. Although the density overlap is treated by meta-GGA functionals efficiently, for non-covalent interactions, a long-range dispersion correction is essential. In this work, we assess the benchmark performance of different variants of the Tao–Mo meta-GGA semilocal functional, i.e., TM [J. Tao and Y. Mo, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 073001 (2016)] and revTM [S. Jana, K. Sharma, and P. Samal, J. Phys. Chem. A 123, 6356 (2019)], with Grimme’s D3 correction for several non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen-bonded systems. We consider the zero, Becke–Johnson (BJ), and optimized power (OP) damping functions within the D3 method with both TM and revTM functionals. It is observed that the overall performance of the functionals gradually improved from zero to BJ and to OP damping. However, the constructed “OP” corrected (rev)TM + D3(OP) functionals perform considerably better compared to other well-known dispersion corrected functionals. Based on the accuracy of the proposed functionals, the future applicability of these methods is also discussed.
Factors affecting hepatitis C treatment intentions among Aboriginal people in Western Australia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Rashidi Amineh , Higgs Peter , Carruthers Susan
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the hepatitis C treatment intentions of Aboriginal people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Western Australia.
MethodsThis study used a mixed-methods design. In the cross-sectional survey, 123 Aboriginal people who inject drugs and self-report as living with hepatitis C completed a purpose-designed questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, 10 participants were interviewed about the factors influencing their future intentions to undertake hepatitis C treatment.
ResultsAnalysis of the survey data revealed significant associations between an intention to undertake hepatitis C treatment and support, community attachment, stable housing and stigma. In addition, there was a high overall level of expressed intention to undertake HCV treatment, with 54% of participants responding positively. Analysis of the qualitative data supported quantitative findings, revealing concerns about stigma, lack of social support and unstable housing as factors affecting the intention to undertake hepatitis C treatment.
ConclusionThis mixed methods study with Aboriginal people living with self-reported HCV indicates interventions focused on reducing stigma and unstable housing could positively affect hepatitis C treatment intentions. These findings have implications for developing holistic programs to promote and support people on hepatitis C treatment.
What is known about the topic?Substantial knowledge gaps need to be resolved if HCV elimination among Aboriginal Australians is to be achieved. Current research has prioritised non-Aboriginal communities.
What does this paper add?This study found that stigma and unstable housing require attention if Aboriginal Australians are to obtain the full benefits of direct acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C treatment.
What are the implications for practitioners?Reducing stigma (in the primary healthcare setting) and providing access to stable housing are vital components of supportive, non-judgemental and culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal people. This study highlights the importance of education for nurses and other primary care providers to increase engagement in the hepatitis cascade of care. To achieve this, scaling-up of HCV treatment engagement, trained Aboriginal community healthcare workers and HCV treatment advocates must mobilise and support Aboriginal people to avoid the negative effects of stigma, build positive and enabling relationships and reinforce positive attitudes towards DAA hepatitis C treatment.