bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microliter-scale reaction arrays for economical high-throughput experimentation in radiochemistry
Authors: Rios Alejandra , Holloway Travis S. , Chao Philip H. , De Caro Christian , Okoro Chelsea C. , van Dam R. Michael
Published: June 2022

The increasing number of positron-emission tomography (PET) tracers being developed to aid drug development and create new diagnostics has led to an increased need for radiosynthesis development and optimization. Current radiosynthesis instruments are designed to produce large-scale clinical batches and are often limited to performing a single synthesis before they must be decontaminated by waiting for radionuclide decay, followed by thorough cleaning or disposal of synthesizer components. Though with some radiosynthesizers it is possible to perform a few sequential radiosyntheses in a day, none allow for parallel radiosyntheses. Throughput of one or a few experiments per day is not well suited for rapid optimization experiments. To combat these limitations, we leverage the advantages of droplet-radiochemistry to create a new platform for high-throughput experimentation in radiochemistry. This system contains an array of 4 heaters, each used to heat a set of 16 reactions on a small chip, enabling 64 parallel reactions for the rapid optimization of conditions in any stage of a multi-step radiosynthesis process. As examples, we study the syntheses of several 18F-labeled radiopharmaceuticals ([18F]Flumazenil, [18F]PBR06, [18F]Fallypride, and [18F]FEPPA), performing > 800 experiments to explore the influence of parameters including base type, base amount, precursor amount, solvent, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The experiments were carried out within only 15 experiment days, and the small volume (~ 10 μL compared to the ~ 1 mL scale of conventional instruments) consumed ~ 100 × less precursor per datapoint. This new method paves the way for more comprehensive optimization studies in radiochemistry and substantially shortening PET tracer development timelines.
Measuring ethical behavior with AI and natural language processing to assess business success
Authors: Gloor Peter , Fronzetti Colladon Andrea , Grippa Francesca
Published: June 2022

Everybody claims to be ethical. However, there is a huge difference between declaring ethical behavior and living up to high ethical standards. In this paper, we demonstrate that “hidden honest signals” in the language and the use of “small words” can show true moral values and behavior of individuals and organizations and that this ethical behavior is correlated to real-world success; however not always in the direction we might expect. Leveraging the latest advances of AI in natural language processing (NLP), we construct three different “tribes” of ethical, moral, and non-ethical people, based on Twitter feeds of people of known high and low ethics and morals: fair and modest collaborators codified as ethical “bees”; hard-working competitive workers as moral “ants”; and selfish, arrogant people as non-ethical “leeches”. Results from three studies involving a total of 49 workgroups and 281 individuals within three different industries (healthcare, business consulting, and higher education) confirm the validity of our model. Associating membership in ethical or unethical tribes with performance, we find that being ethical correlates positively or negatively with success depending on the context.
scCAN: single-cell clustering using autoencoder and network fusion
Authors: Tran Bang , Tran Duc , Nguyen Hung , Ro Seungil , Nguyen Tin
Published: June 2022

Unsupervised clustering of single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-seq) is important because it allows us to identify putative cell types. However, the large number of cells (up to millions), the high-dimensionality of the data (tens of thousands of genes), and the high dropout rates all present substantial challenges in single-cell analysis. Here we introduce a new method, named single-cell Clustering using Autoencoder and Network fusion (scCAN), that can overcome these challenges to accurately segregate different cell types in large and sparse scRNA-seq data. In an extensive analysis using 28 real scRNA-seq datasets (more than three million cells) and 243 simulated datasets, we validate that scCAN: (1) correctly estimates the number of true cell types, (2) accurately segregates cells of different types, (3) is robust against dropouts, and (4) is fast and memory efficient. We also compare scCAN with CIDR, SEURAT3, Monocle3, SHARP, and SCANPY. scCAN outperforms these state-of-the-art methods in terms of both accuracy and scalability. The scCAN package is available at https://cran.r-project.org/package=scCAN. Data and R scripts are available at http://sccan.tinnguyen-lab.com/
Retrospective analysis of different therapeutic approaches for retroperitoneal duodenal perforations
Authors: Yurttas Can , Thiel Christian , Wichmann Dörte , Horvath Philipp , Strohäker Jens , Bongers Malte Niklas , Schenk Martin , Stüker Dietmar , Königsrainer Alfred , Thiel Karolin
Published: June 2022

Surgical therapy of duodenal perforation into the retroperitoneum entails high morbidity. Conservative treatment and endoscopic negative pressure therapy have been suggested as promising therapeutic alternatives. We aimed to retrospectively assess outcomes of patients treated for duodenal perforation to the retroperitoneum at our department. A retrospective analysis of all patients that were treated for duodenal perforation to the retroperitoneum at our institution between 2010 and 2021 was conducted. Different therapeutic approaches with associated complications within 30 days, length of in-hospital stay, number of readmissions and necessity of parenteral nutrition were assessed. We included thirteen patients in our final analysis. Six patients underwent surgery, five patients were treated conservatively and two patients received interventional treatment by endoscopic negative pressure therapy. Length of stay was shorter in patients treated conservatively. One patient following conservative and surgical treatment each was readmitted to hospital within 30 days after initial therapy whereas no readmissions after interventional treatment occurred. There was no failure of therapy in patients treated without surgery whereas four (66.7%) of six patients required revision surgery following primary surgical therapy. Conservative and interventional treatment were associated with fewer complications than surgical therapy which involves high morbidity. Conservative and interventional treatment using endoscopic negative pressure therapy in selected patients might constitute appropriate therapeutic alternatives for duodenal perforations to the retroperitoneum.
High-speed nonlinear focus-induced photoresponse in amorphous silicon photodetectors for ultrasensitive 3D imaging applications
Authors: Bablich Andreas , Müller Maurice , Kienitz Paul , Bornemann Rainer , Ogolla Charles Otieno , Butz Benjamin , Choubey Bhaskar , Bolívar Peter Haring
Published: June 2022

A large and growing number of applications benefit from simple, fast and highly sensitive 3D imaging sensors. The Focus-Induced Photoresponse (FIP) can achieve 3D sensing functionalities by simply evaluating the irradiance dependent nonlinear sensor response in defect-based materials. Since this advantage is intricately associated to a slow response, the electrical bandwidth of present FIP detectors is limited to a few $${\text{kHz}}$$
kHz
only. The devices presented in this work enable modulation frequencies of 700 kHz and beat frequency detection up to at least 3.8 MHz, surpassing the bandwidth of reported device architectures by more than two orders of magnitude. The sensors achieve a SNR of at least $$\sim 53\;{\text{dB}}$$

∼
53

dB

at $$115\;{\text{cm}}$$

115

cm

and a DC FIP detection limit of 0.6 µW/mm2. The mature and scalable low-temperature a-Si:H process technology allows operating the device under ambient air conditions waiving additional back-end passivation, geometrical fill factors of $$100\%$$

100
%

and tailoring the FIP towards adjustable 3D sensing applications.
Impact of continuity of care on risk for major osteoporotic fracture in patients with new onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kim Seung Hoon , Kim Hyunkyu , Jeong Sung Hoon , Jang Suk-Yong , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: June 2022

There is a clear relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), although there is limited evidence on the effect of continuity of care (COC) on MOF in these patients. We investigated the association between COC and risk of MOF, including fractures of the lumbar spine and pelvis, forearm, and hip, among newly diagnosed RA patients aged ≥ 60 years. A total of 8715 incident RA patients from 2004 to 2010 were included from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort database. Participants were categorized into a good and bad COC group according to the COC index. The cumulative incidence of MOF was higher in RA patients with bad than in those with good COC (p < 0.001). The incidence rates of MOF were 4439 and 3275 cases per 100,000 person-years in patients with bad and good COC, respectively. RA patients with bad COC had an increased incidence of overall MOF (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.53), with the highest increase in risk being that of forearm fracture. An increased MOF risk in patients with bad COC was predominantly observed in females. This study suggested that interventions that can improve COC in patients with RA should be considered.
Nintedanib regulates intestinal smooth muscle hyperplasia and phenotype in vitro and in TNBS colitis in vivo
Authors: Kataria Jay , Kerr Jack , Lourenssen Sandra R. , Blennerhassett Michael G.
Published: June 2022

Chronic inflammation of the human intestine in Crohn’s disease (CD) causes bowel wall thickening, which typically progresses to stricturing and a recurrent need for surgery. Current therapies have limited success and CD remains idiopathic and incurable. Recent evidence shows a key role of intestinal smooth muscle cell (ISMC) hyperplasia in stricturing, which is not targeted by current anti-inflammatory therapeutics. However, progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, resembling CD in pathophysiology, is controlled by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors nintedanib (NIN) or pirfenidone, and we investigated these drugs for their effect on ISMC. In a culture model of rat ISMC, NIN inhibited serum- and PDGF-BB-stimulated growth and cell migration, and promoted the differentiated phenotype, while increasing secreted collagen. NIN did not affect signaling through PDGF-Rβ or NFκB but did inhibit cytokine-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα, supporting a transcriptional level of control. In TNBS-induced colitis in mice, which resembles CD, NIN decreased ISMC hyperplasia as well as expression of TNFα and IL-1β, without effect in control animals. NIN also inhibited growth of human ISMC in response to human serum or PDGF-BB, which further establishes a broad range of actions of NIN that support further trial in human IBD.
Ultra-broadband, wide-angle plus-shape slotted metamaterial solar absorber design with absorption forecasting using machine learning
Authors: Patel Shobhit K. , Parmar Juveriya , Katkar Vijay
Published: June 2022

Energy utilization is increasing day by day and there is a need for highly efficient renewable energy sources. Solar absorbers with high efficiency can be used to meet these growing energy demands by transforming solar energy into thermal energy. Solar absorber design with highly efficient and Ultra-broadband response covering visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectrum is proposed in this paper. The absorption response is observed for three metamaterial designs (plus-shape slotted design, plus-shape design, and square-shape design) and one optimized design is used for solar absorber design based on its high efficiency. The design results are compared with AM 1.5 spectral irradiance response. The electric field response of the plus-shape slotted metamaterial design is also presented which matches well with the absorption results of different solar spectrum regions. The results proved that the attained absorption response showing wide angle of incidence. Machine learning is also used to examine the design data in order to forecast absorption for various substrate thickness, metasurface thickness, and incidence angles. Regression and forecasting simulations based on machine learning are used to try to anticipate absorber behaviour at forthcoming and intermediate wavelengths. Simulation results prove that Machine Learning based methods can lessen the obligatory simulation resources, time and can be used as an effective tool while designing the absorber. The proposed highly efficient, wide-angle, ultra-broadband solar absorber design with its behavior prediction capability using machine learning can be utilized for solar thermal energy harvesting applications.
Basal cell carcinoma of the scalp shows distinct features from the face in Asians
Authors: Kim Minsu , Kim Jee-Woo , Shin Jung-Won , Na Jung-Im , Huh Chang-Hun
Published: June 2022

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) affecting different sites has been reported to have different clinicopathological features. In previous studies, the scalp was commonly classified to the head and neck region. However, the scalp has distinct characteristics from those of other parts of the skin. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for BCC. A total of 734 lesions were examined, and 13.2% originated from the scalp. The nodular type was the most common histologic subtype; however, the proportion of the superficial type was significantly higher than that of facial BCC (p < 0.001). Compared with facial BCC, younger age (p = 0.046) and larger tumor size (p < 0.001) were observed in scalp BCC. These characteristics were similar to those of truncal BCC in that they demonstrated a higher proportion of the superficial type (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.001), and larger tumor diameter (p < 0.001) compared with BCC in the head and neck region. Scalp BCC and truncal BCC were not significantly different in terms of age (p = 0.052) and tumor size (p = 0.230). In conclusion, despite the anatomical proximity, features of scalp BCC were similar to those of truncal lesions compared with facial lesions. Scalp BCC might be a separate entity from facial BCC.
Prognostic implications of structural heart disease and premature ventricular contractions in recovery of exercise
Authors: Lindow Thomas , Ekström Magnus , Brudin Lars , Hedman Kristofer , Ugander Martin
Published: June 2022

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) during recovery of exercise stress testing are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, but the cause remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association of PVCs during recovery with echocardiographic abnormalities, and their combined prognostic performance. Echocardiographic abnormalities [reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, valvular heart disease, LV dilatation, LV hypertrophy, or increased filling pressures] and PVCs during recovery were identified among patients having undergone both echocardiography and exercise stress test. Among included patients (n = 3106, age 59 ± 16 years, 55% males), PVCs during recovery were found in 1327 (43%) patients, among which the prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities was increased (58% vs. 43%, p < 0.001). Overall, PVCs during recovery were associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (219 total events, 7.9 [5.4–11.1] years follow-up; adjusted hazard ratio (HR [95% confidence interval]) 1.6 [1.2–2.1], p < 0.001). When analyzed in combination with either presence or absence of echocardiographic abnormalities, PVCs during recovery were associated with increased risk when such were present (HR 3.3 [1.9–5.5], p < 0.001) but not when absent (HR 1.5 [0.8–2.8], p = 0.22), in reference to those with neither. Our findings provide mechanistic insights to the increased CV risk reported in patients with PVCs during recovery.
Effect of add-on hydroxychloroquine therapy on serum proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wakiya Risa , Ueeda Kiyo , Nakashima Shusaku , Shimada Hiromi , Kameda Tomohiro , Mansour Mai Mahmoud Fahmy , Kato Mikiya , Miyagi Taichi , Sugihara Koichi , Mizusaki Mao , Mino Rina , Kadowaki Norimitsu , Dobashi Hiroaki
Published: June 2022

We investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as an add-on treatment to immunosuppressants on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured immediately before and 3 months after treatment with oral HCQ. Among the 51 patients enrolled in the study, HCQ treatment led to significantly reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A, IL-1ra, and IL-2 (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0006; p = 0.0460, p = 0.0177; p < 0.0001; p = 0.0282, respectively) and to decreased (but not significantly) levels of MIP-1α (p = 0.0746). No significant changes were observed in the serum MCP-1 levels before and after HCQ administration (p = 0.1402). Our results suggest that an add-on HCQ treatment modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines even in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with low disease activity.
Efficient discrimination against RNA-containing primers by human DNA polymerase ε
Authors: Lisova Alisa E. , Baranovskiy Andrey G. , Morstadt Lucia M. , Babayeva Nigar D. , Tahirov Tahir H.
Published: June 2022

DNA polymerase ε (Polε) performs bulk synthesis of DNA on the leading strand during genome replication. Polε binds two substrates, a template:primer and dNTP, and catalyzes a covalent attachment of dNMP to the 3' end of the primer. Previous studies have shown that Polε easily inserts and extends ribonucleotides, which may promote mutagenesis and genome instability. In this work, we analyzed the mechanisms of discrimination against RNA-containing primers by human Polε (hPolε), performing binding and kinetic studies at near-physiological salt concentration. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies revealed that hPolεCD extends RNA primers with approximately 3300-fold lower efficiency in comparison to DNA, and addition of one dNMP to the 3′ end of an RNA primer increases activity 36-fold. Likewise, addition of one rNMP to the 3′ end of a DNA primer reduces activity 38-fold. The binding studies conducted in the presence of 0.15 M NaCl revealed that human hPolεCD has low affinity to DNA (KD of 1.5 µM). Strikingly, a change of salt concentration from 0.1 M to 0.15 M reduces the stability of the hPolεCD/DNA complex by 25-fold. Upon template:primer binding, the incoming dNTP and magnesium ions make hPolε discriminative against RNA and chimeric RNA–DNA primers. In summary, our studies revealed that hPolε discrimination against RNA-containing primers is based on the following factors: incoming dNTP, magnesium ions, a steric gate for the primer 2′OH, and the rigid template:primer binding pocket near the catalytic site. In addition, we showed the importance of conducting functional studies at near-physiological salt concentration.
Floquet engineering of Kitaev quantum magnets
Authors: Kumar Umesh , Banerjee Saikat , Lin Shi-Zeng
Published: June 2022

In recent years, there has been an intense search for materials realizing the Kitaev quantum spin liquid model. A number of edge-shared compounds with strong spin-orbit coupling, such as RuCl3 and iridates, have been proposed to realize this model. Nevertheless, an effective spin Hamiltonian derived from the microscopic model relevant to these compounds generally contains terms that are antagonistic toward the quantum spin liquid. This is consistent with the fact that the zero magnetic field ground state of these materials is generally magnetically ordered. It is a pressing issue to identify protocols to drive the system to the limit of the Kitaev quantum spin model. In this work, we propose Floquet engineering of these Kitaev quantum magnets by coupling materials to a circularly polarized laser. We demonstrate that all the magnetic interactions can be tuned in situ by the amplitude and frequency of the laser, hence providing a route to stabilize the Kitaev quantum spin liquid phase.
Integrating sustainability into climate finance by quantifying the co-benefits and market impact of carbon projects
Authors: Lou Jiehong , Hultman Nathan , Patwardhan Anand , Qiu Yueming Lucy
Published: June 2022

High-quality development rooted in low-carbon growth, new jobs, energy security, and environmental quality will be a critical part of achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs). Doing this will require the dramatic scaling up of new climate finance while maximizing co-benefits across multiple outcomes, including for local communities. We developed a comprehensive methodology to identify different levels of local co-benefits, followed by an econometric analysis to assess how the market values co-benefits through the clean development mechanism. We find that projects with a likelihood of delivering the highest co-benefits received a 30.4% higher price compared to projects with the lowest co-benefits. Project quality indicators such as the Gold Standard, in conveying higher likelihood of co-benefits, conferred a significant price premium between 6.6% and 29%. Our methodology of aligning co-benefits with SDGs and the results of co-benefits valued by the markets indicate approaches to bolstering social and political support for climate finance.
Sulfolipid density dictates the extent of carbon nanodot interaction with chloroplast membranes
Authors: Kim Kyoungtea , Jeon Su-Ji , Hu Peiguang , Anastasia Caroline M. , Beimers William F. , Giraldo Juan Pablo , Pedersen Joel A.
Published: June 2022

The relative abundance of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) in model chloroplast membranes dictates both the affinity for and capacity of the membrane to interact with positively charged carbon nanodots (CNDs).
Synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes via a 1,4-palladium migration/carbene insertion/β-H elimination sequence
Authors: Zhang Ge , Feng Xiao-Jiao , Li Meng-Yao , Ji Xiao-Ming , Lin Guo-Qiang , Feng Chen-Guo
Published: June 2022

A palladium catalyzed synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes through a 1,4-palladium migration/carbene insertion/β-H elimination sequence has been developed.
Copper-promoted cross-coupling of nitroarenes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines using a peroxide-driven radical reductive strategy
Authors: Jiang Hui-Min , Qin Jing-Hao , Sun Qing , Zhang Dong , Jiang Jin-Peng , Ouyang Xuan-Hui , Song Ren-Jie , Li Jin-Heng
Published: June 2022

Direct radical-mediated reductive coupling of nitroarenes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines to build the C(sp3)–N bond using 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as internal reducing agents and alkyl sources is presented.
Control of Fe3+ coordination by excess Cl− in alcohol solutions
Authors: Nomura Yunika , Inoue Dai , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: June 2022

Fe3+ coordination in alcohol solution can be controlled by the Cl− concentration ([Cl−]). The coordination state changes from FeL6 (L: solvent molecule) to FeCl4 type via FeClnL6−n with increases in [Cl−].
In situ growth of novel carbon nanobuds and nanoballs on graphene nanosheets by the electrochemical method
Authors: Qin Qi , Chen Jing , Wu Changze , Wang Yixue , Li Yunan , Song Meng
Published: June 2022

Novel carbon nanostructures, carbon nanobuds and nanoballs in situ grown on graphene, have been synthesized by the electrochemical method in this study.
Molecular basis of transport of surface functionalised gold nanoparticles to pulmonary surfactant
Authors: Jiao Fengxuan , Hossain Sheikh I. , Sang Jianbing , Saha Suvash C. , Gu YuanTong , Hughes Zak E. , Gandhi Neha S.
Published: June 2022

Molecular-level observations of the behavior of ligand functionalised gold nanoparticles with a lipid monolayers.
Design of millidevices to expedite apparent solubility measurements
Authors: Pons Royo Maria del Carme , Beulay Jean-Luc , Valery Eric , Jungbauer Alois , Satzer Peter
Published: June 2022

A fast, automated and accurate millidevice for determination of the apparent solubility of proteins and impurities and different industrially relevant precipitating agents.
Polymer brush-based nanostructures: from surface self-assembly to surface co-assembly
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhao Hanying
Published: June 2022

With the development of polymer chemistry, polymer brushes with different chemicals and topological structures have been synthesized. Hierarchical surface nanostructures can be fabricated by surface self-assembly and surface co-assembly of the polymer brushes.
Correction: Stokesian dynamics of sedimenting elastic rings
Authors: Gruziel-Słomka Magdalena , Kondratiuk Paweł , Szymczak Piotr , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L.
Published: June 2022

Correction for ‘Stokesian dynamics of sedimenting elastic rings’ by Magdalena Gruziel-Słomka et al., Soft Matter, 2019, 15, 7262–7274, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SM00598F.
A metal-free heptazine–porphyrin based porous polymeric network as an artificial leaf for carbon-free solar fuels
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Battula Venugopala Rao , Sharma Neha , Samanta Soumadri , Rawat Bhawna , Kailasam Kamalakannan
Published: June 2022

Carbon-free solar fuel production driven by artificial photosynthesis over heptazine–porphyrin-based polymeric network as photocatalyst.
Boosting electrochemical reaction and suppressing phase transition with a high-entropy O3-type layered oxide for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Tian Kanghui , He Huan , Li Xiao , Wang Dan , Wang Zhiyuan , Zheng Runguo , Sun Hongyu , Liu Yanguo , Wang Qinchao
Published: June 2022

A high-entropy O3-type layered oxide cathode Na(Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Ti0.2Sn0.1Li0.1)O2 with disordered distribution of multi-component transition metals suppresses the complex intermediate phase transition, enabling highly reversible electrochemical reaction.
Secrecy performance of two‐way integrated satellite terrestrial relay networks with multiple users
Authors: Yang Dongmei , Ren Baoquan , Li Hongjun , Wang Xueling , Guo Kefeng
Published: June 2022

This letter studies the secrecy performance for a two‐way integrated satellite terrestrial relay networks. Particularly, multiple legitimate users along with maximal user scheduling scheme are applied in the considered networks. In addition, the closed‐form expression for the secrecy outage probability of the considered two‐way networks is obtained. Moreover, to investigate the impacts of the system parameters on the secrecy performance in high signal‐to‐noise ratio regime, the asymptotic analysis for the secrecy outage probability is further derived. Finally, Monte Carlo simulation results are provided to prove the theoretical results.
Dual‐interference filtering method for the main lobe based on polarimetric monopulse radar
Authors: Lu Dongwei , Wang Yufei , Ma Jiazhi , Feng Dejun
Published: June 2022

In the field of target tracking, monopulse radar is widely used to obtain the positions of radar targets. The achieved angle measurement performance is greatly weakened when barrage interference is contained in the main lobe of the receiving antenna. Interference signals can be easily filtered by the conventional polarization filtering (PF) method. However, the conventional PF method is unable to address situations in which two barrage interferences with different polarization states are contained in the main lobe, because the polarizations of both interferences become complex. To filter dual‐interference sources in the main lobe, a novel polarimetric filtering method is proposed in this letter. This novel method is based on polarization selection, which is implemented to suppress one of the dual‐interference sources. The appropriate polarimetric parameters are first selected by a monopulse ratio constraint condition. Then, the spatial location of the other interference source can be measured. After searching the whole polarimetric domain, the spatial parameters of the two interference sources can be acquired by the polarimetric monopulse system. Finally, the waveforms of the interference signals can also be estimated during the filtering process. The results of a microwave chamber experiment demonstrate that this novel filtering method is effective.
A new identification method of high voltage circuit breaker mechanical fault based on combined analysis of time‐reference‐distance and shape entropy algorithms
Authors: Liu Huilan , Xu Wenjie , Zhao Shutao , Wang Erxu , Liu Jiaomin , Peng Yonglong , Li Yabin
Published: June 2022

The vibration of high voltage circuit breakers is superimposed by the impact vibration generated by the action of its components. When the operating states of the components change, the vibration waveform will be distorted. To extract the state information contained in the vibration signals, in this paper we propose a new method for the mechanical fault identification of circuit breakers based on the joint analysis of time‐frequency domain features. Firstly, a new time‐reference‐distance algorithm (TRD) which employs feature space to grab information is proposed to get the time‐domain features in detail. The feature space is constructed by the kurtosis, crest factor, and peak divergence degree of the time‐domain waveform. Further, we propose another new algorithm, the shape entropy algorithm (SE), to extract the frequency‐domain features. Through converting the power spectrum of the vibration signals to polar coordinates via the divergence factor, the SE features are then obtained by combining with the information entropy formula. Finally, the TRD and SE features are combined and input into the support vector machine (SVM) model for fault identification. The test results verify the efficiency of the methodology and the identification process takes less time. It has a practical application value.
Autonomous live working robot navigation with real‐time detection and motion planning system on distribution line
Authors: Zhao Haoning , Wang Chaoqun , Guo Rui , Rong Xuewen , Guo Jiamin , Yang Qixun , Yang Lecheng , Zhao Yuliang , Li Yibin
Published: June 2022

In this study, an autonomous robot navigation system is designed for live working on distribution line. The developed system features a real‐time detection and motion planning system, incorporating a manipulator capable of grasping power components. In order to accurately identify targets, the authors propose an object detection method based on the Larger Scale ‘You Only Look Once’ Version 4 (LS‐YOLOv4) algorithm for detecting the insulators and drop fuses. The LS‐YOLOv4 extracts features of power components by Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and then performs feature fusion. Then the authors develop a motion planning method based on the Node Control Optimal Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (NC‐RRT*), which can drive the robot to realise the autonomous robot motion planning and obstacle avoidance. On the grasping function, the authors present a reliable Lightweight‐based Convolutional Neural Network (L‐CNN) grasping point detection method. Finally, the authors evaluate fully autonomous robotic system in both simulated and real‐world experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can effectively identify the target and complete the grasping task in an efficient way. Notably, the proposed motion planning method can take into account both planning efficiency and accuracy to manipulation tasks.
Lightweight single image deraining algorithm incorporating visual saliency
Authors: Hu Mingdi , Yang Jingbing , Ling Nam , Liu Yuhong , Fan Jiulun
Published: June 2022

There are still some challenges in the task of single image rain removal, such as artefact remnant, background over‐smooth, and increasingly complex and heavy‐weight network architecture. Especially too heavy‐weight network to fit outdoor detection devices or mobile devices. To address the above challenges, we propose a lightweight single image Deraining algorithm incorporating visual attention saliency mechanisms (LDVS). The proposed network consists of five blocks and two convolution operations, where each block consists of a dilation convolution module and a convolutional block attention module (CBAM). Specifically, visual saliency module CBAM is used for accurate localization of rain streak, and further the combinations of dilated convolution with CBAM is used to extract feature maps of rain streaks faithfully, which is able to remove artefact remnant while maintaining background details. A good tradeoff is presented between the network's weight size and effect of rain removal. Specifically, with only 48,268 parameters, the proposed model can achieve a guaranteed performance. Extensive experiments on a few typical rainy scenarios on synthetic and real‐world datasets have demonstrated that to achieve the same level of performance, the proposed method has far smaller size than most of the baselines under both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Hybrid voltage and current control strategy for virtual synchronous generator under unbalanced voltage conditions
Authors: Wang Yichao , Wang Dongrong , Huang Zuliang , Li Yan
Published: June 2022

The traditional VSG strategy does not consider the negative sequence component, which will lead to current imbalance and power oscillation under unbalanced voltage. Several improved control strategies of VSG are usable for operating under unbalanced voltage nowadays. These control strategies usually require a complex PLL (phase‐locked loop) to detect sequence components, and a current reference generator to convert voltage references to current references. This paper proposes an improved control strategy for VSG. The main contributions are in threefold: (1) A hybrid voltage and current control strategy by simultaneously controlling the positive sequence output voltage and negative sequence output current is proposed, which can achieve different operation demands under unbalanced voltage conditions without changing the original characteristics of VSG. (2) A positive and negative sequence decoupling method is designed to acquire the synchronization phase information directly from the positive sequence voltage control branch, thereby avoiding the use of complex PLL (phase locked loop). (3) A general formulation for the negative sequence current references is presented to control the power oscillations or the current balance flexibly. The correctness and effectiveness of the control strategy are verified by simulation and experimental results.
Research on ac copper losses in permanent magnet electrical machines with hairpin windings for automotive applications
Authors: Krüger Robin , Durán Patricia Penabad , Hameyer Kay
Published: June 2022

In this paper current displacement effects and subsequently ac copper losses in hairpin windings are analyzed in detail for the example of permanent magnet excited electrical machines. The increase of copper losses due to skin- and proximity effects is evaluated across the entire torque-speed map. Their impact on the drive cycle efficiency is discussed for the standardized Worldwide Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). Moreover, the influence of the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotor’s permanent magnets on the ac copper losses is studied.
Tribo-mechanical behaviour of aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg) reinforced with palmyra shell ash and silicon carbide particles
Authors: Subramaniam Shankar , Raju Naveenkumar , Shanmugam Elango , Rajavel Nithyaprakash , Pramanik Alokesh , Basak Animesh Kumar , Prakash Chander , Gur Ali Kaya
Published: June 2022

AlSi10Mg alloy is blended with palmyra shell ash (PSA) and silicon carbide (SiC) using stir casting route and its tribological properties on the reinforcement addition with the aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg) hybrid composite are studied. Hybrid composites are fabricated by adding 3, 6 and 9 wt.% of silicon carbide and 9 wt.% palmyra shell ash particle into aluminium (AlSi10Mg) alloy. The dry sliding properties of the AlSi10Mg hybrid alloy composite were examined under different loading conditions against carbon steel disc using a pin-on-disc Tribometer. The results showed that the hybrid metal matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide and palmyra shell had better tribological characteristics than the composite reinforced with single reinforcement (palmyra shell ash). Increase in wt.% of reinforcement increases the hardness as well as the tensile strength of the composites. Morphological analysis resulted that the abrasive wear mechanism was dominant and causes high wear evolution in dry sliding condition.
A Term Infant Presenting with COVID-19 Disease at Birth and a Croup-Like Cough
Authors: Arnold Michelle , Wade Christine , Micetic Becky , Mody Kartik
Published: June 2022

Objective Since the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there have been increasing reports of children developing a croup-like cough associated with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Currently, there is not much information available regarding newborn infants and COVID-19 infection and the incidence of vertical transmission is thought to be rare. This novel case report depicts a term newborn infected at the time of birth with COVID-19 and includes details about the course of their complicated hospitalization.

Study Design A term infant, found to be infected at birth with COVID-19, developed respiratory distress resulting in transfer to our neonatal intensive care unit. Due to the increasing respiratory support requirements, endotracheal intubation was required on day of life (DOL) 7. Later, when the infant was extubated, on DOL 21, a croup-like cough developed.

Results Despite respiratory treatment with albuterol, budesonide, racemic epinephrine, lidocaine, dornase alfa, and a 10-day course of dexamethasone, the cough persisted. A prolonged hospitalization was required and eventually the infant was discharged home on 0.4 L/minute of oxygen via nasal cannula on DOL 95.

Conclusion As the COVID-19 virus mutates over time, there are some seemingly different presentations in both the pediatric and adult populations. The hypervigilance and sharing of new findings among providers are paramount in the treatment of infants with COVID-19 disease.

Key Points
Adjunct Therapy at Time of Examination-Indicated Cervical Cerclage in Singleton Pregnancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bruno Ann M. , Benson Ashley E. , Metz Torri D. , Blue Nathan R.
Published: June 2022

Objective Physical examination–indicated cerclage for cervical insufficiency prolongs gestation, but evidence on the addition of adjuncts to further prolong latency is limited. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare gestational latency between those who did and did not receive adjunct antibiotic or tocolytic therapy at the time of examination-indicated cerclage.

Study Design Electronic databases (1966–2020) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing adjunct antibiotic or tocolytic use versus nonuse at time of examination-indicated cerclage, defined as placement for cervical dilation ≥1 cm, in a current singleton pregnancy. Studies including individuals with intra-amniotic infection, cerclage in place, nonviable gestation, or ruptured membranes were excluded. The primary outcome was latency from cerclage placement to delivery. Secondary outcomes included preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, birth weight, and neonatal survival. Risk of bias was assessed using standardized tools. Heterogeneity was assessed using χ
2 and I
2 tests. Results were pooled and analyzed using a random-effects model. This study is registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration no.: CRD42021216370.

Results Of 923 unique records, 163 were reviewed in full. Three met inclusion criteria: one RCT and two retrospective cohorts. The included RCT (n = 50) and one cohort (n = 142) compared outcomes with and without adjunct use of antibiotic and tocolytic, while the second cohort (n = 150) compared outcomes with and without adjunct tocolytic, with a subpopulation also receiving antibiotics. The RCT was nested within one of the cohorts, and therefore only one of these two studies was utilized for any given outcome to eliminate counting individuals twice. Risk of bias was “critical” for one cohort study, “moderate” for the other cohort study, and “some concerns” for the RCT. Gestational latency could not be pooled and meta-analyzed. Adjunct tocolytic-antibiotic therapy was not associated with a decrease in risk of preterm delivery <28 weeks (relative risk [RR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–1.26; χ
2 = 0.0, I
2 = 0.0%) or neonatal survival to discharge (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.91–1.35; χ
2 = 0.05, I
2 = 0.0%).

Conclusion There is not enough evidence to robustly evaluate the use of adjunct tocolytics or antibiotics at time of examination-indicated cerclage to prolong latency.

Key Points
Interventional Pulmonology and the Esophagus: Tracheostomy and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement
Authors: Magge Anil , Oberg Catherine L.
Published: June 2022

Tracheostomy is a procedure commonly performed in intensive care units (ICU) for patients who are unable to be weaned from mechanical ventilation. Both percutaneous and surgical techniques have been validated and are chosen based on the local expertise available. A primary advantage to the percutaneous technique is the ability to perform this procedure in the ICU without transporting the patient to a procedure suite or operating room; this has become particularly important with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An additional advantage is the ability to perform both the tracheostomy and the gastrostomy tube placement, if needed, during the same anesthetic episode. This decreases the need for additional sedation, interruption of anticoagulation, repeat transfusion, and coordination of care between multiple services. In the context of COVID-19, combined tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement exposes less health care providers overall and minimizes transportation needs.
Work stress, health and wellbeing: evidence from the older adults labor market in India
Authors: Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Singh S. P. , Jyoti Jyoti , Pattanaik Falguni
Published: June 2022

Older adults are the most vulnerable group in the labor market, given their physical and functional health risks. Moreover, they are also at a greater risk of psychological factors like work stress due to risk of age, ageism and social well-being. Given these challenges and the growing proportion of older adults in the developing world, this paper studies the theoretical connotation between work stress and health related wellbeing outcomes among working elderly in India. Using BKPAI survey this study adopts multiple modeling approach (descriptive analysis, one-way analysis of variance, and a logit regression model) to test the association between work stress and wellbeing and understand this theoretical connotation in elderly labor market. Our results confirm that work stress is found to be significantly associated with socio-economic and health risks like income, gender, education, morbidity, disability, and socio-psychological barriers among working older adults. Females are likely to have more risk for work stress [OR, 1.72; (95% CI 2.89–2.91)] than males. Similarly, more affluent groups (wealthiest) are less likely to have any work stress [OR, 0.38; (95% CI-0.25–0.58)]. Older adults with multi-morbidity are at greater odds of having work stress [OR 2.26; (95% CI-1.74–2.94)]. Work stress is a common issue that enhances at higher ages due to the work, health, and socio-economic vulnerability of older adults. The study finds a significant impact of these factors on work stress and therefore argues for a comprehensive policy approach to address the psychological health risk of the working older adults in the labor market.
Contextual antecedents of quality improvement: a comparative case study in rural, urban and Kaupapa Māori general practice
Authors: Cullen Jane , Childerhouse Paul , McBain Lynn
Published: June 2022

Introduction The impact of contextual factors on primary health-care quality improvement is significant. In-depth research is required to identify the key contextual factors that influence quality improvement initiatives to develop high-performing primary health-care systems. Aim This research seeks to answer two questions; what are the contextual factors influencing primary care improvement initiatives?; and how do contextual factors, the quality improvement initiative and the implementation process influence one another and the overall improvement outcomes? Methods A multi-case study methodology was used to explore the complexities of the phenomena in situ. Three sites where successful quality improvement had occurred were selected by purposeful theoretical sampling to provide a sample of rural, urban and Kaupapa Māori general practice settings typical of the New Zealand environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with team members and triangulated with secondary data provided by the organisations. Results The quality improvement topic and the approach taken were intrinsically linked to context. Sites reported success in achieving the desired outcomes benefitting the patients, practice and staff. Teams did not use formal improvement methods, instead relying on established relationships and elements of change management methods. The culture in all three cases was a large component of why and how these initiatives were successful. Discussion Intrinsic motivation was generated by community connections and networks. This combined with a learning climate generated by distributed leadership and teamwork enabled success. Iterative reflection and sensemaking processes were able to deliver quality improvement success in primary care without the use of formal improvement methods.
Hepatitis A testing and susceptibility in men who have sex with men: an unintended benefit of PrEP
Authors: Gouda Mahmoud , Fitzpatrick Colin , Williams Deborah , Richardson Daniel
Published: June 2022

Hepatitis A is a sexually transmitted enteric infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increased opportunities for sexual health interventions in MSM. 588 (372 in 2019, 216 in 2021) MSM attended for the first time in the study periods. MSM were significantly more likely to be screened for Hepatitis A susceptibility in 2021 than 2019 (93% vs 56%, P = 0.0001). Susceptibility (Hepatitis A IgG negative) to Hepatitis A did not change between in 2021 and 2019 (48% vs 47%, P = 0.921). De-medicalising PrEP is important as it will increase overall uptake. However, coupling PrEP with other sexual health interventions must not be lost.
Advances in Embodied Construction Grammar*
Authors: Feldman Jerome A.
Published: June 2022

This chapter describes the continuing goals and present status of the ICSI/UC Berkeley efforts on Embodied Construction Grammar (ECG). ECG is semantics-based formalism grounded in cognitive linguistics. ECG is the most explicitly inter-disciplinary of the construction grammars with deep links to computation, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Work continues on core cognitive, computational, and linguistic issues, including aspects of the mind/body problem. Much of the recent emphasis has been on applications and on tools to facilitate new applications. Extensive documentation plus downloadable systems and grammars can be found at the ECG Homepage.1