bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a real‐time indoor location system using bluetooth low energy technology and deep learning to facilitate clinical applications
Authors: Tang Guanglin , Yan Yulong , Shen Chenyang , Jia Xun , Zinn Meyer , Trivedi Zipalkumar , Yingling Alicia , Westover Kenneth , Jiang Steve
Published: April 2020

Purpose

An indoor, real‐time location system (RTLS) can benefit both hospitals and patients by improving clinical efficiency through data‐driven optimization of procedures. Bluetooth‐based RTLS systems are cost‐effective but lack accuracy because Bluetooth signal is subject to significant fluctuation. We aim to improve the accuracy of RTLS using the deep learning technique.

Methods

We installed a Bluetooth sensor network in a three‐floor clinic building to track patients, staff, and devices. The Bluetooth sensors measured the strength of the signal broadcasted from Bluetooth tags, which was fed into a deep neural network to calculate the location of the tags. The proposed deep neural network consists of a long short‐term memory (LSTM) network and a deep classifier for tracking moving objects. Additionally, a spatial‐temporal constraint algorithm was implemented to further increase the accuracy and stability of the results. To train the neural network, we divided the building into 115 zones and collected training data in each zone. We further augmented the training data to generate cross‐zone trajectories, mimicking the real‐world scenarios. We tuned the parameters for the proposed neural network to achieve relatively good accuracy.

Results

The proposed deep neural network achieved an overall accuracy of about 97% for tracking objects in each individual zone in the whole three‐floor building, 1.5% higher than the baseline neural network that was proposed in an earlier paper, when using 10 s of signals. The accuracy increased with the density of Bluetooth sensors. For tracking moving objects, the proposed neural network achieved stable and accurate results. When latency is less of a concern, we eliminated the effect of latency from the accuracy and gained an accuracy of 100% for our testing trajectories, significantly improved from the baseline method.

Conclusions

The proposed deep neural network composed of a LSTM, a deep classifier and a posterior constraint algorithm significantly improved the accuracy and stability of RTLS for tracking moving objects.
Daily grip strength response to intravenous immunoglobulin in chronic immune neuropathies
Authors: Doneddu Pietro E. , Hadden Robert D.M.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Monitoring grip strength at home may detect improvement between intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments in patients with chronic inflammatory neuropathies (CINs).

Methods

Fifteen patients recorded grip strength each day, from one IVIg treatment until the next. We analyzed grip strength changes comparing thresholds of 8 kPa and 14 kPa. “Random” fluctuations of grip strength were distinguished from treatment response by smoothing the data.

Results

“Random” fluctuations of at least 8 kPa occurred in 27% of patients. Smoothed daily grip strength increased by at least 8 kPa above baseline in 11 (73%) patients. Grip strength increased by at least 8 kPa for 3 consecutive days in 9 (60%) patients, and 5‐day block mean increased by at least 8 kPa in 10 (67%) patients.

Discussion

Home monitoring of grip strength confirmed treatment response in most patients with CINs on IVIg. To detect improvement in an individual patient, we suggest a threshold of at least 8 kPa on 3 consecutive days or on 5‐day block mean.
Urban Erasures: Historical and Contemporary Archaeologies
Authors: Matthews Christopher N.
Published: April 2020

This short essay is an introduction to a thematic collection of three articles on urban erasures. This essay provides an overview of the articles and situates the collection at the intersection of critical heritage studies, contemporary archaeology, and collaborative community‐based research.
Bones in Stasis: The Challenging History and Uncertain Future of the Virginia State Penitentiary Collection
Authors: Chapman Ellen , Cook Libby , Edwards Ana
Published: April 2020

This article describes an archeological ethnographic study of the history and social context of the Virginia State Penitentiary, where burials excavated in the 1990s still remain in limbo: unpublished, unmemorialized, and unmourned. The penitentiary (1804–1991) was a feared site of solitary confinement, carceral labor, and capital punishment. Fieldwork conducted in advance of the penitentiary’s demolition recorded solitary confinement cells within the eighteenth‐century foundations, but also discovered a substantial burial ground within the prison walls. The collection includes the remains of over 200 people, many of whom were black prisoners who died between 1878 and 1884. Unfortunately, archeological analysis and publication were never completed. This article presents a new public engagement process to identify fresh possibilities for the sites and the individuals represented in this collection. Based on over thirty semistructured interviews conducted in 2015 and data from over 230 respondents to the 2018 Richmond Penitentiary Survey, we discuss how the penitentiary remains resonate or fails to resonate with Richmond residents, even as the city’s broader history of archeological neglect is becoming better understood. We discuss how archival research and emerging models for archeological restorative justice may provide new avenues for addressing this urban archeological erasure in a major Southern metropolis.
Paleodiet and health in a mass burial population: The stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from Potočani, a 6,200‐year‐old massacre site in Croatia
Authors: McClure Sarah B. , Zavodny Emily , Novak Mario , Balen Jacqueline , Potrebica Hrvoje , Janković Ivor , Kennett Douglas J.
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the results of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses on human remains uncovered from Potočani, a Copper Age (Eneolithic) mass burial site in continental Croatia. The remains of at least 41individuals were uncovered in a pit in 2007 during rescue excavations in Požeško‐Slavonska county. Skeletal evidence of violence and the disorganized arrangement of bodies suggest that burial took place over a short period of time. Radiocarbon dates and associated ceramics indicate these people were part of the Lasinja cultural group, dating to the Middle Copper Age (ca.4200 cal BC). Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses on 40individuals indicate higher than expected nitrogen values in comparison with other regional populations and significant differences between children, juveniles, and adults at the site of Potočani. Bioarchaeological and stable isotope results support the interpretation that the people buried at Potočani likely experienced dietary stress in the years leading up to their violent deaths.
From Interaction to Function in DNA‐Templated Supramolecular Self‐Assemblies
Authors: Surin Mathieu , Ulrich Sébastien
Published: April 2020

DNA‐templated self‐assembly represents a rich and growing subset of supramolecular chemistry where functional self‐assemblies are programmed in a versatile manner using nucleic acids as readily‐available and readily‐tunable templates. In this review, we summarize the different DNA recognition modes and the basic supramolecular interactions at play in this context. We discuss the recent results that report the DNA‐templated self‐assembly of small molecules into complex yet precise nanoarrays, going from 1D to 3D architectures. Finally, we show their emerging functions as photonic/electronic nanowires, sensors, gene delivery vectors, and supramolecular catalysts, and their growing applications in a wide range of area from materials to biological sciences.
Creep behavior of polymeric adhesive joints exposed to different environmental conditions
Authors: Ashofteh Roya Sadat , Khoramishad Hadi
Published: April 2020

This article intends to examine the creep response of single‐lap adhesive joints (SLAJs) exposed to different environmental and temperature conditions. Therefore, SLAJs were fabricated and then immersed in seawater and deionized water at 40°C for 24 hours before conducting creep tests. The experimental results showed that seawater had lower detrimental effect on the creep and elastic responses of SLAJs than deionized water. The shear creep and elastic strain values of SLAJs immersed in deionized water increased averagely by 19.8% and 43%, respectively, whereas those strains for SLAJs immersed in seawater increased averagely by 2.1% and 28.8%, respectively, compared to SLAJs maintained in dry condition. This was because of the higher moisture ingress of adhesives aged in deionized water than in seawater due to the osmosis phenomenon. Moreover, the results showed 23% and 14% increase in shear creep and elastic strains, respectively, by increasing the water temperature from 30°C to 50°C. Furthermore, the time‐dependent responses of SLAJs immersed in different environments with different ageing temperatures were simulated by Burgers rheological model.
The effectiveness of a mobile high‐frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) device for airway clearance
Authors: Leemans Glenn , Belmans Dennis , Van Holsbeke Cedric , Becker Brian , Vissers Dirk , Ides Kris , Verhulst Stijn , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim
Published: April 2020

Introduction

High‐frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) is a commonly prescribed airway clearance technique (ACT) for patients whose ability to expectorate sputum is compromised. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed mobile ACT device (mHFCWO—The Monarch Airway Clearance System) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A standard nonmobile HFCWO device (sHFCWO) was used as a comparator.

Methodology

This was a randomized, open‐label, crossover pilot study. CF patients were treated with each device. Sputum was collected during and after each therapy session, while spirometry tests, Brody score assessment and functional respiratory imaging were performed before and after treatments.

Results

Wet weight of sputum collected during and after treatment was similar for mHFCWO and sHFCWO (6.53 ± 8.55 vs 5.80 ± 5.82; P = .777). Interestingly, the mHFCWO treatment led to a significant decrease in specific airway volume (9.55 ± 9.96 vs 8.74 ± 9.70 mL/L; P < .001), while increasing specific airway resistance (0.10 ± 0.16 vs 0.16 ± 0.23 KPA*S; P < .001). These changes were heterogeneously‐distributed throughout the lung tissue and were greater in the distal areas, suggesting a shift of mucus. Changes were accompanied by an overall improvement in the Brody index (57.71 ± 16.55 vs 55.20 ± 16.98; P = .001).

Conclusion

The newly developed mobile device provides airway clearance for CF patients comparable to a nonmobile sHFCWO device, yielding a change in airway geometry and patency by the shift of mucus from the more peripheral regions to the central airways.
A New Procedure for Stability Control of Homogeneous Solid Propellants by Combination of Vacuum Stability Test, FTIR and PCA
Authors: Chelouche Salim , Trache Djalal , Benayachi Zakaria Ibrahim , Tarchoun Ahmed Fouzi , Khimeche Kamel , Mezroua Abderrahmane
Published: April 2020

Stability control and evaluation for Homogeneous Solid Propellant (HSP) are of paramount importance for securing ammunition storage warehouses and weapon systems. In the current work, a new procedure for the stability control of HSP was established by combining spectral, thermal, and chemometric tools. Analyses were performed on three similar HSPs naturally aged up to 31 years and subjected to artificial aging (during 12 months at 338.65 K with sampling every 2 months). FTIR analysis showed a decrease in the intensities of the characteristic bands with natural/artificial aging progress. Vacuum Stability Test (VST) experiments carried out at five isothermal temperatures (333.15 K, 343.15 K, 353.15 K, 363.15 K, and 373.15 K) highlighted three degradation stages during HSP aging. Two kinetic approaches, viz, model‐fitting and model‐free have been applied to VST data in order to evaluate the kinetic parameters. The activation energy for the HSP degradation reaction was found to decrease with natural/artificial aging progress. Furthermore, the application of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to FTIR spectra allows classifying efficiently the samples according to their stability properties. Moreover, the loading plots pointed out the most influenced bands by aging processes. A model, which connected the mean intensity of these bands to the activation energy of the sample, was established. Furthermore, the limit of propellant stability was estimated based on the prediction of the storage lifetimes. The relative error on the activation energy associated with the obtained model was found to be less than 2 % during natural aging up to 20 years and 6 % during artificial aging up to 12 months.
Inorganic Functionalization of CdSexS1–x/ZnS Core–Shell Quantum Dots and Their Photoelectric Properties
Authors: Zhang Wenkang , Zhong Qinyue , Liu Xinmei , Lu Qing
Published: April 2020

In this article, different CdSexS1–x quantum dots (QDs) with stearic acid as ligands are synthesized, and then the outer ZnS shell is coated with oleylamine (OLA) as ligands using a single molecular source method. The surface ligand exchange of CdSe0.6S0.4 and CdSe0.6S0.4/ZnS QDs is conducted with ammonium zinc chloride ((NH4)2ZnCl4) inorganic ligands. The QDs layers are deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate using a spin coating method before and after ligand exchanges. The morphology, crystal form, and group of QDs are examined using a high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Under the condition of simulated sunlight irradiation, the photoelectrochemical properties are tested with an electrochemical workstation. The results show that the distance between QDs decreases after ligand exchange. The photocurrent density of CdSe0.6S0.4/ZnS QDs films after ligand exchange reaches 7.23 mA cm−2, which is 11 times that of the photocurrent density before ligand exchange. The reason may be that ZnCl42− has strong ligand electron donor capacity, which increases the probability of nonradiative transition.
Bayesian accrual modeling and prediction in multicenter clinical trials with varying center activation times
Authors: Liu Junhao , Wick Jo , Jiang Yu , Mayo Matthew , Gajewski Byron
Published: April 2020

Investigators who manage multicenter clinical trials need to pay careful attention to patterns of subject accrual, and the prediction of activation time for pending centers is potentially crucial for subject accrual prediction. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to predict subject accrual for multicenter clinical trials in which center activation times vary. We define center activation time as the time at which a center can begin enrolling patients in the trial. The difference in activation times between centers is assumed to follow an exponential distribution, and the model of subject accrual integrates prior information for the study with actual enrollment progress. We apply our proposed Bayesian multicenter accrual model to two multicenter clinical studies. The first is the PAIN‐CONTRoLS study, a multicenter clinical trial with a goal of activating 40 centers and enrolling 400 patients within 104 weeks. The second is the HOBIT trial, a multicenter clinical trial with a goal of activating 14 centers and enrolling 200 subjects within 36 months. In summary, the Bayesian multicenter accrual model provides a prediction of subject accrual while accounting for both center‐ and individual patient‐level variation.
Of Research Reviews and Practice Guides: Translating Rapidly Growing Research on Adolescent Literacy Into Updated Practice Recommendations
Authors: Reynolds Dan
Published: April 2020

The demand for evidence‐based instructional practices has driven a large supply of research on adolescent literacy. Documenting this supply, Baye, Inns, Lake, and Slavin’s 2019 article in Reading Research Quarterly synthesized far more studies, with far more rigorous methodology, than had ever been collected before. What does this mean for practice? Inspired by this article, I investigated how this synthesis compared with the 2008 U.S. Institute of Education Sciences practice guide for adolescent literacy. I also include two contemporary documents for context: Herrera, Truckenmiller, and Foorman’s (2016) review and the U.K. Education Endowment Foundation’s 2019 practice guide for secondary schools. I first examine how these documents define adolescent, reading, and evidence, and propose more inclusive definitions. I then compare their respective evidence bases, finding that the quality and quantity of evidence have dramatically changed. Only one of the 34 studies in the 2008 U.S. practice guide met Baye et al.’s inclusion criteria in 2019, and the average sample size in Baye et al.’s studies was 22 times as large as those in the 2008 U.S. practice guide. I also examine the potential implications for a new practice guide’s instructional recommendations and comment on the expansion of research in technology, disciplinary literacy, and writing—topics scarcely covered in the 2008 U.S. practice guide but which have been extensively researched since then. Finally, I call for revision of the U.S. practice guide and the establishment of standing committees on adolescent literacy to help educators translate the latest research findings into updated practices.
Short‐term effects of bioenergy cropping on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a Florida Ultisol
Authors: Silveira M. L. , Brandani C. B. , Kohmann M. M. , Erickson J. E. , Reyes‐Cabrera J. , Leon R. G. , Sollenberger L. E. , Piotto V. , Quadros D. G. , Mello S. Q. S.
Published: April 2020

Although perennial bioenergy crops provide a potential for soil C sequestration, high fertilizer inputs are required to sustain yields. Land application of bioenergy byproducts can be an effective strategy to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer. This study examined the impacts of elephantgrass [Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.] bioenergy cropping and conventional pasture on soil C and N responses. Treatments included (a) bahiagrass + 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (BHG), (b) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (E50), (c) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 + fermentation residual (E50FR), (d) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 + biochar (E50BC), and (e) elephantgrass + 250 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (E250). Soil C and N responses occurred mainly at the 0‐ to 10‐cm depth. Biochar resulted in the largest increase in soil C stocks at the 0‐ to 10‐cm depth (5.8 Mg C ha−1 in 2012 vs. 40 Mg C ha−1 in 2016), but no differences were observed among the other treatments. Conversely, greater soil N stocks at the 0‐ to 10‐cm depth were associated with the BHG (0.8 and 0.34 Mg N ha−1 for other treatments). Biochar favored N and C accumulation in the mineral‐associated (<53 μm) fraction, possibly from the accumulation of fine biochar fragments. In contrast, fermentation residual promoted C accumulation in unprotected light fraction. These results are supported by the δ13C signature and C/N ratios of the fractions. Results underscore the value of recycling biochar in bioenergy cropping systems as a means of improving C in coarse‐textured soils.
Phase‐Controlled Synthesis of Monolayer W1−xRexS2 Alloy with Improved Photoresponse Performance
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Zhao Xiaoxu , Yang Yuekun , Qiao Lei , Lv Lu , Chen Zhang , Di Zengfeng , Ren Wei , Pennycook Stephen J. , Zhou Jiadong , Gao Yanfeng
Published: April 2020

Tuning bandgap and phases in the ternary 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) alloys has opened up unexpected opportunities to engineer optoelectronic properties and explore potential applications. In this work, a salt‐assisted chemical deposition vapor (CVD) growth strategy is reported for the creation of high‐quality monolayer W1−xRexS2 alloys to fulfill a readily phase control from 1H to DT by changing the ratio of Re and W precursors. The structures and chemical compositions of doping alloys are confirmed by combining atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy‐annular dark field imaging with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, matching well with the calculated results. The field‐effect transistors (FETs) devices fabricated based on 1H‐W0.9Re0.1S2 monolayer exhibit a n‐type semiconducting behavior with the mobility of 0.4 cm2 V−1 s−1. More importantly, the FETs show high‐performance responsivity with a value of 17 µA W−1 in air, which is superior to that of monolayer CVD‐grown WS2. This work paves the way toward synthesizing monolayer ternary alloys with controlled phases for potential optoelectronic applications.
Spray‐Coated Commercial PTFE Membrane from MoS2/LaF3/PDMS Ink as Solar Absorber for Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Jiang Hanjin , Fang Hairui , Wang Dong , Sun Jianbo
Published: April 2020

Due to its promising potential applications in seawater desalination and purification, solar steam conversion has attracted tremendous attention recently. The light‐to‐heat conversion capacity of solar absorbers directly affects the rate at which freshwater is produced by the evaporation system. Herein, an efficient double‐layer evaporator is developed using MoS2/LaF3/PDMS ink as an absorber that is printed onto a commercial PTFE membrane by the controlled ink‐spray method. The LaF3 nanoparticles‐decorated MoS2 nanoflowers nanocomposite exhibits enhanced adsorption of sunlight due to semiconductor/solid electrolyte interface synergetic effect‐induced broadband absorption ability. Combining the advantages of local heating and rapid vapor emission, the water evaporation rate of the evaporator with spray ink in sunlight is 1.76 kg m−2 h−1 and the corresponding high light‐to‐heat conversion efficiency is 91%. Also, the membrane module has good operability, certain mechanical strength, and good long‐term stability. The synergistic effect of a rare‐earth solid electrolyte and semiconductor provides new ideas for the design and development of materials with high light‐to‐heat conversion efficiency and good thermal stability.
In Situ Synthesis of Phosphorus‐Doped Polymeric Carbon Nitride Sheets for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Cheng Zhang , Fang Yuanxing , Fu Xianzhi , Wang Xinchen
Published: April 2020

Photoelectrochemical water oxidation by polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has recently received increasing scientific interest. Herein, phosphorus (P) is doped into PCN (p‐PCN) films through in situ polymerization. p‐PCN sheets are formed and vertically aligned on a conductive substrate, which is used as a photoanode. The optimal photocurrent density of the photoanode is ≈120 μA cm−2, which is more than two times that of the undoped one. The improved performance is accounted as the introduction of P in PCN. On the one hand, P doping increases the valence potential of PCN and improves the ability of water oxidation. On the other hand, charge transfer is improved by extra charges from P.
CaMKII inhibitor 1 (CaMK2N1) mRNA is upregulated following LTP induction in hippocampal slices
Authors: Astudillo Daniela , Karmelic Daniel , Casas Barbara S. , Otmakhov Nikolai , Palma Veronica , Sanhueza Magdalena
Published: April 2020

CaMK2N1 and CaMK2N2 (also known as CaMKIINα and β) are endogenous inhibitors of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII), an enzyme critical for memory and long‐term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity thought to underlie learning. CaMK2N1/2 mRNAs are rapidly and differentially upregulated in the hippocampus and amygdala after acquisition or retrieval of fear memory. Moreover, CaMK2N2 protein levels increase after contextual fear conditioning. Therefore, it was proposed that CaMK2N1/2 genes (Camk2n1/2) could be immediate‐early genes transcribed promptly (30–60 min) after training. As a first approach to explore a role in synaptic plasticity, we assessed a possible regulation of Camk2n1/2 during the expression phase of LTP in hippocampal CA3–CA1 connections in rat brain slices. Quantitative PCR revealed that Camk2n1, but not Camk2n2, is upregulated 60 min after LTP induction by Schaffer collaterals high‐frequency stimulation. We observed a graded, significant positive correlation between the magnitude of LTP and Camk2n1 change in individual slices, suggesting a coordinated regulation of these properties. If mRNA increment actually resulted in the protein upregulation in plasticity‐relevant subcellular locations, CaMK2N1 may be involved in CaMKII fine‐tuning during LTP maintenance or in the regulation of subsequent plasticity events (metaplasticity).
Using Herbal dyes as an alternative staining method for sperm evaluation
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohammadreza , Parham Abbas
Published: April 2020

Staining, as a valuable method for sperm morphological assessment, has been used to determine sperm abnormalities, fertilization capability and sperm suitability during freezing‐thawing process. Synthetic dyes have been used for sperm viability and morphological evaluation. However, most of them have been made from chemical substances and have a perilous effect on the environment. In the current study, we evaluated three different natural dyes as the natural sources of dye for sperm staining. Bull frozen semen was used and prepared on slides for staining. Aqueous extract dye of black mulberry (BM), henna (HA), safflower (SA) and eosin‐nigrosine (control group) were used for sperm staining. Additionally, the effect of staining dyes on viability and some morphological parameters (head area: HR, head abnormality: HB and tail abnormality: TA) were evaluated. Although none of the natural dyes could detect viability of the sperm cells, safflower stain (HR: 26.55 µm, HB: 0% TA: 28%) and black mulberry stain (HR: 25.07 µm, HB: 2% TA: 3%) compared to control group (HR: 34.29 µm, HB: 4%, TA: 4%) provoked a strong reaction in the sperm cells, so that the sperms were observed yellow and red respectively. The reaction of sperm cells to the henna dye was very poor and it did not stain the sperm cells. Thus, the present study demonstrated that SA and BM dyes are able to stain the spermatozoa and with further modification could be used as alternative dyes for sperm staining in the study of sperm morphology, but not viability. Staining with these dyes can be an alternative to current costly chemical staining methods.
Effects of Leucosporidium‐derived ice‐binding protein (LeIBP) on bull semen cryopreservation
Authors: Jang Hoon , Kwon Hyo J. , Sun Wu S. , Hwang Seongsoo , Hwang In S. , Kim Sungwoo , Lee Jun H. , Lee Sung G. , Lee Jeong W.
Published: April 2020

We examined the effect of ice‐binding protein derived from Leucosporidium (LeIBP) on the cryopreservation of bull semen and compared it with that derived from previously reported Antifreeze Protein III (AFPIII). Six concentrations of LeIBP (10–1 ~ 104 μg/ml) and AFPIII (10–1 ~ 104 μg/ml) were added to the bull semen extender, respectively. Sperm kinematic parameters were measured to examine sperm toxicity and cryopreserved sperm quality. Measures of antioxidant activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione/oxidative glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analysed to identify the effect of LeIBP on sperm quality. In addition, sperm viability was analysed using a flow cytometer and fluorescence microscope by SYBR14/PI staining. The results showed that the LeIBP groups (0.1, 1 and 10 μg/ml) were less toxic, and the quality of the sperm were dramatically improved in the extenders containing 0.1 μg/ml LeIBP among concentrations of LeIBP and AFPIII. The SOD activity of LeIBP was greater than that of AFPIII and control. In addition, sperm viability was enhanced in the LeIBP‐treated group. In summary, LeIBP is a useful cryoprotective adjuvant for bull sperm cryopreservation, and the most efficient concentration of LeIBP is 0.1 μg/ml.
Full‐scale N removal from centrate using a sidestream process with a mainstream carbon source
Authors: Lacroix Angel , Mentzer Casey , Pagilla Krishna R.
Published: April 2020

An innovative approach to treat centrate for rapid nitrogen load discharge reduction was investigated and applied at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) in Reno, NV. This process allowed TMWRF to circumvent an anticipated exceedance of the individual waste load allocation in 2018. Existing infrastructure and equipment were re‐purposed in a full‐scale suspended growth biological centrate treatment system, attaining simultaneous nitrification, and denitrification with no additional capital investment. Functioning within a few days of start‐up, the average ammonia reduction was 81% (1,106 kg/day) and the average total nitrogen reduction in the sidestream was 53% (757 kg/day) using primary effluent as carbon source. Alkalinity and carbon limitations were both anticipated and observed; however, adaptive operations allowed for balancing of nitrification and denitrification processes, providing pH stability and success in meeting treatment goals. Immediately after the sidestream treatment system was placed into service, nitrogen in the mainstream facility was measured at concentrations significantly lower than typical and was sustained at historically low concentrations throughout the operation. This translated into a significant methanol cost savings of $1,500 per day (USD). The system has become a critical supplemental treatment process during upcoming rehabilitation projects to address aging infrastructure of existing nitrogen treatment facilities.

Practitioner points

Full scale demonstration of sidestream N removal using a hybrid process.

Integration of the sidestream N process to reduce N effluent load without alkalinity or supplementary carbon augmentation.

Operational solution to reduce operating costs without new infrastructure.
Adsorptive removal of enrofloxacin with magnetic functionalized graphene oxide@ metal–organic frameworks employing D‐optimal mixture design
Authors: Gordi Zinat , Ghorbani Mahdi , Ahmadian Khakhiyani Maryam
Published: April 2020

A novel sorbent based on a mixture of magnetic functionalized graphene oxide and MOFs was developed to remove enrofloxacin (EFX) from water samples. The prepared sorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray powder diffraction pattern. The sorbent compositions were optimized by the mixture experimental design. Under the optimal condition, the percentages of each sorbent component, including triethylene tetramine‐functionalized graphene oxide (FGO), Fe3O4, and MOF‐5, were 40%, 21%, and 39%, respectively. Besides, the intraparticle diffusion and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models can describe the EFX adsorption procedure because of two adsorption mechanisms of EFX on FGO and MOF‐5. A positive standard enthalpy of 49.80 kJ/mol indicated the EFX adsorption is endothermic with a chemisorption process. The negative values of ΔGo obtained in the range of −8.979 to −3.431 kJ/mol at all studied temperatures showed that the adsorption process was also spontaneous. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were analyzed with the partition coefficient to reduce bias in the isotherm model evaluation. The maximum adsorption capacity of 344.83 mg/g and a high partition coefficient of 17.42 g/L in an initial EFX concentration of 10 mg/L were obtained for the EFX removal.

Practitioner points

Magnetic functionalized graphene oxide @MOF‐5 as a sorbent for the enrofloxacin removal is synthesized.

The percentage amount of each component of the sorbent is optimized using the D‐optimal mixture design.

Adsorption mechanisms of enrofloxacin on magnetic functionalized graphene oxide @MOF‐5 are discussed.

Thermodynamic parameters for the enrofloxacin adsorption with the sorbents are determined.

Isotherm model for the enrofloxacin removal with the sorbent is investigated.
Understanding Sportsperson Retention and Reactivation Through License Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Hinrichs Matthew P. , Price Nathaniel B. , Gruntorad Matthew P. , Pope Kevin L. , Fontaine Joseph J. , Chizinski Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

Most state and provincial fish and wildlife agencies have access to important information about patterns in sportsperson participation through their license databases. Using transaction data from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's electronic hunting and fishing license system, we tracked license purchases of Nebraska, USA, resident license holders in 2010 through 2017. We categorized sportspersons by gender and yearly purchases as hunting only (Hunter), fishing only (Angler), a combination of hunting and fishing (Hunter–Angler), or no purchases (Inactive). The probability of movement among active sportsperson groups was limited and varied little based on initial group participation. The Angler group had the greatest probability of an individual transitioning to the Inactive group (females = 0.39; males = 0.33). The Hunter–Angler group had the greatest probability of an individual remaining within the same group (females = 0.65; males = 0.76). There was a relatively low probability of an individual in the Hunter group moving to the Angler group and vice versa (≤0.02). The sportsperson population is dynamic and understanding patterns of sportsperson participation is important for the future of fish and wildlife management in North America. Using data readily available to most fish and wildlife agencies has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of hunter and angler participation and aid management agencies and conservation organizations in the development of more effective strategies for managing sportspersons. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
A LLS operator based S‐I WT de‐noising algorithm applied in EDXRF
Authors: Li Fei , Tang Chuanfeng , Li Hui , Ge Liangquan
Published: April 2020

An improved shift‐invariant wavelet (S‐I WT) de‐noising algorithm based on LLS operator is proposed for high‐resolution energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. Sym8 is chosen as the wavelet basis function and performed noise reduction on the analog signal. Comparison of the de‐noising effect of S‐I WT, improved WT and LLS S‐I WT (where LLS is the log square root operator) method are quantitatively evaluated by using evaluation criteria signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR), root mean square error and Pearson correlation coefficient. Meanwhile, a new evaluation criterion of de‐noising effect, called peak area relative difference, is also proposed to evaluate the counting deviation. The results show that the LLS‐SI WT is simple and reliable, can effectively reduce pseudo‐Gibbs artificial signals and statistical fluctuation. Besides, this method simplifies the calculation, reduces the running time and improves the running efficiency. The LLS‐SI WT is also applied to reduce the noise after adding strong noise to the signal, the SNR has been improved from 14.0040 to 14.7552, and most of the characteristic peak information retains to the greatest extent.
Structures and Stability of Complexes of E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al, Ga, In) with Acetonitrile
Authors: Shcherbina Nadezhda A. , Pomogaeva Anna V. , Lisovenko Anna S. , Kazakov Igor V. , Gugin Nikita Yu. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Kondrat'ev Yuri V. , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: April 2020

Complexes formed by interaction of E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al, Ga, In) with excess of acetonitrile (AN) were structurally characterized. Quantum chemical computations indicate that for Al(C6F5)3 and In(C6F5)3 the formation of a complex of 1:2 composition is more advantageous than for B(C6F5)3 and Ga(C6F5)3, in line with experimental observations. Formation of the solvate [Al(C6F5)3·2AN]·AN is in agreement with predicted thermodynamic instability of [Al(C6F5)3·3AN]. Tensimetry study of B(C6F5)3·CH3CN reveals its stability in the solid state up to 197 °C. With the temperature increase, the complex undergoes irreversible thermal decomposition with pentafluorobenzene formation.
Analytic Philosophy for Biomedical Research: The Imperative of Applying Yesterday’s Timeless Messages to Today’s Impasses
Authors: Ehsani Sepehr
Published: April 2020

The mantra that “the best way to predict the future is to invent it” (attributed to the computer scientist Alan Kay) exemplifies some of the expectations from the technical and innovative sides of biomedical research at present. However, for technical advancements to make real impacts both on patient health and genuine scientific understanding, quite a number of lingering challenges facing the entire spectrum from protein biology all the way to randomized controlled trials should start to be overcome. The proposal in this chapter is that philosophy is essential in this process. By reviewing select examples from the history of science and philosophy, disciplines which were indistinguishable until the mid-nineteenth century, I argue that progress toward the many impasses in biomedicine can be achieved by emphasizing theoretical work (in the true sense of the word “theory”) as a vital foundation for experimental biology. Furthermore, a philosophical biology program that could provide a framework for theoretical investigations is outlined.
Partition functions on slightly squashed spheres and flux parameters
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Cano Pablo A. , Hennigar Robie A. , Penas Victor A. , Ruipérez Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We argue that the conjectural relation between the subleading term in the small-squashing expansion of the free energy of general three-dimensional CFTs on squashed spheres and the stress-tensor three-point charge t
4 proposed in arXiv:1808.02052:

$$ {F}_{{\mathbbm{S}}_{\varepsilon}^3}^{(3)}(0)=\frac{1}{630}{\pi}^4{C}_T{t}_4 $$

F

S
ε
3

3

0

=

1
630

π
4

C
T

t
4

, holds for an infinite family of holographic higher-curvature theories. Using holographic calculations for quartic and quintic Generalized Quasi-topological gravities and general-order Quasi-topological gravities, we identify an analogous analytic relation between such term and the charges t2 and t4 valid for five-dimensional theories:

$$ {F}_{{\mathbbm{S}}_{\varepsilon}^5}^{(3)}(0)=\frac{2}{15}{\pi}^6{C}_T\left[1+\frac{3}{40}{t}_2+\frac{23}{630}{t}_4\right] $$

F

S
ε
5

3

0

=

2
15

π
6

C
T

1
+

3
40

t
2

+

23
630

t
4

. We test both conjectures using new analytic and numerical results for conformally-coupled scalars and free fermions, finding perfect agreement.
One-loop charge-breaking minima in the two-Higgs doublet model
Authors: Ferreira P.M. , Morrison L.A. , Profumo S.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We analyze the vacuum structure of the one-loop effective potential in the two Higgs doublet model. We find that electroweak-breaking vacua can coexist with charge breaking ones, contradicting a theorem valid at tree-level. We perform a numerical analysis of the model and supply explicit parameter values for which charge-breaking vacua can be the global minimum of the theory, and deeper than charge-preserving ones.
The selfish Higgs and reheating
Authors: Lee Hyun Min
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We consider the cosmological relaxation of the Higgs mass and the cosmological constant due to the four-form fluxes in four dimensions. We present a general class of models with a singlet scalar field containing four-form couplings where the Higgs mass is relaxed to a right value and the Universe reheats to a sufficiently high reheating temperature after the last membrane nucleation. We also discuss some of interesting features in the cases of singlet scalar fields with non-minimal or minimal couplings to gravity and show how the new scalar fields can play a role for dark matter production.
A quantum framework for AdS/dCFT through fuzzy spherical harmonics on S4
Authors: Gimenez-Grau Aleix , Kristjansen Charlotte , Volk Matthias , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We consider a non-supersymmetric domain-wall version of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 SYM theory where five out of the six scalar fields have non-zero classical values on one side of a wall of codimension one. The classical fields have commutators which constitute an irreducible representation of the Lie algebra

$$ \mathfrak{so} $$

so

(5) leading to a highly non-trivial mixing between color and flavor components of the quantum fields. Making use of fuzzy spherical harmonics on S
4, we explicitly solve the mixing problem and derive not only the spectrum of excitations at the quantum level but also the propagators of the original fields needed for perturbative quantum computations. As an application, we derive the one-loop one-point function of a chiral primary and find complete agreement with a supergravity prediction of the same quantity in a double-scaling limit which involves a limit of large instanton number in the dual D3-D7 probe-brane setup.
On positive geometries of quartic interactions: Stokes polytopes, lower forms on associahedra and world-sheet forms
Authors: Aneesh P.B. , Banerjee Pinaki , Jagadale Mrunmay , John Renjan Rajan , Laddha Alok , Mahato Sujoy
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In [1], two of the present authors along with P. Raman attempted to extend the Amplituhedron program for scalar field theories [2] to quartic scalar interactions. In this paper we develop various aspects of this proposal. Using recent seminal results in Representation theory [3, 4], we show that projectivity of scattering forms and existence of kinematic space associahedron completely capture planar amplitudes of quartic interaction. We generalise the results of [1] and show that for any n-particle amplitude, the positive geometry associated to the projective scattering form is a convex realisation of Stokes polytope which can be naturally embedded inside one of the ABHY associahedra defined in [2, 5]. For a special class of Stokes polytopes with hyper-cubic topology, we show that they have a canonical convex realisation in kinematic space as boundaries of kinematic space associahedra.

We then use these kinematic space geometric constructions to write world-sheet forms for 𝜙4 theory which are forms of lower rank on the CHY moduli space. We argue that just as in the case of bi-adjoint 𝜙3 scalar amplitudes, scattering equations can be used as diffeomorphisms between certain

$$ \frac{n-4}{2} $$

n
−
4

2

forms on the world-sheet and

$$ \frac{n-4}{2} $$

n
−
4

2

forms on ABHY associahedron that generate quartic amplitudes.
Umgang mit COVID-19 in der Notaufnahme
Authors: Wennmann D. O. , Dlugos C. P. , Hofschröer A. , Hennies M. , Kühn J. , Hafezi W. , Kampmeier S. , Mellmann A. , Triphaus S. , Sackarnd J. , Tepasse P. , Keller M. , Van Aken H. , Pavenstädt H. , Kümpers P.
Published: April 2020

Mit der COVID-19-Pandemie stehen die Notaufnahmen als Schnittstelle der ambulanten und stationären Krankenversorgung vor einer großen Herausforderung. Die Dynamik der Pandemie zwang die Notfallversorgung des Universitätsklinikums Münster zu umfassenden Anpassungsprozessen, die in kürzester Zeit erfolgen mussten. Dazu gehörte die Etablierung einer ambulanten Coronateststelle und einer studentischen Telefonhotline. Innerklinisch wurden neue Isolationskapazitäten in der Notaufnahme sowie eine eigene COVID-19-Station eingerichtet. Der Patientenfluss wurde durch Flussdiagramme sowohl für den ambulanten als auch für den stationären Bereich neu geregelt. Das allgemeine und spezielle Notfallmanagement wurde für die reibungslose Versorgung COVID-19-positiver Patienten optimiert und das Personal in der Benutzung von Schutzausrüstung trainiert. Dieser Erlebnisbericht soll anderen Notaufnahmen in der Vorbereitung auf die COVID-19-Pandemie unterstützen.
Individual brain metabolic connectome indicator based on Kullback-Leibler Divergence Similarity Estimation predicts progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Wang Min , Jiang Jiehui , Yan Zhuangzhi , Alberts Ian , Ge Jingjie , Zhang Huiwei , Zuo Chuantao , Yu Jintai , Rominger Axel , Shi Kuangyu ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) reveals altered cerebral metabolism in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Previous metabolic connectome analyses derive from groups of patients but do not support the prediction of an individual’s risk of conversion from present MCI to AD. We now present an individual metabolic connectome method, namely the Kullback-Leibler Divergence Similarity Estimation (KLSE), to characterize brain-wide metabolic networks that predict an individual’s risk of conversion from MCI to AD.

Methods

FDG-PET data consisting of 50 healthy controls, 332 patients with stable MCI, 178 MCI patients progressing to AD, and 50 AD patients were recruited from ADNI database. Each individual’s metabolic brain network was ascertained using the KLSE method. We compared intra- and intergroup similarity and difference between the KLSE matrix and group-level matrix, and then evaluated the network stability and inter-individual variation of KLSE. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) were employed to assess the prediction performance of KLSE and other clinical characteristics.

Results

The KLSE method captures more pathological connectivity in the parietal and temporal lobes relative to the typical group-level method, and yields detailed individual information, while possessing greater stability of network organization (within-group similarity coefficient, 0.789 for sMCI and 0.731 for pMCI). Metabolic connectome expression was a superior predictor of conversion than were other clinical assessments (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.55; 95% CI, 2.77–4.55; P < 0.001). The predictive performance improved further upon combining clinical variables in the Cox model, i.e., C-indices 0.728 (clinical), 0.730 (group-level pattern model), 0.750 (imaging connectome), and 0.794 (the combined model).

Conclusion

The KLSE indicator identifies abnormal brain networks predicting an individual’s risk of conversion from MCI to AD, thus potentially constituting a clinically applicable imaging biomarker.
Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula: is it a safe procedure in infants weighing less than 2000 g?
Authors: Son Joonhyuk , Jang Yerang , Kim Wontae , Lee Sanghoon , Jeong Ji Seon , Lee Suk-Koo , Seo Jeong-Meen
Published: April 2020

Background

Since Rothenberg first performed thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) successfully in 2000, thoracoscopic repair has achieved status as a routine procedure worldwide. Previously, an international multicenter study reported that this procedure was not inferior to conventional open surgery. However, thoracoscopic surgery is a highly difficult operation for surgeons and anesthesiologists; as a result, the safety and efficacy of the surgery is still under debate. Considering these circumstances, the purpose of this study was to analyze the results of single-center thoracoscopic surgery and to compare the outcomes relative to the patient’s weight at the time of surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with EA/TEF who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in a single center between October 2008 and February 2017.

Results

In total, 41 cases of thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF were performed. Upon subgrouping by over and under 2000 g of body weight at the time of operation, 34 were found to be over 2000 g and seven were under 2000 g. Intraoperative factors and events were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, most of the postoperative outcomes, including the rate of postoperative leakage and strictures, showed no difference. On the other hand, the under 2000 g group had more gastroesophageal reflux requiring fundoplication than did the heavier group (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The results of this center’s thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF were not inferior to other centers’ outcomes. Additionally, the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were similar despite differences in weight at operation. Therefore, thoracoscopic repair might be a feasible surgical option for infants weighing less than 2000 g when performed by a surgeon and anesthesiologist team who are experienced in pediatric thoracoscopic surgery.