bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravitreal Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Sulphur Hexafluoride Gas for Submacular Haemorrhage Displacement in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Looking behind the Blood
Authors: Maggio Emilia , Peroglio Deiro Antonio , Mete Maurizio , Sartore Mauro , Polito Antonio , Prigione Guido , Guerriero Massimo , Pertile Grazia
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) intravitreal injection for the displacement of large submacular haemorrhages (SMH) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration and for guiding the selection of additional treatments or observations for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: The medical records of consecutive patients with recent-onset, large SMH, treated at Sacro Cuore Hospital from January 2004 to May 2016, were retrospectively analysed. All eyes underwent a 0.05-mL intravitreal injection of 50 μg rtPA, 0.3 mL of 100% SF6, and then face-down positioning. Afterwards, the eyes received additional treatments for CNV or observation, based on the severity and extent of the underlying pathology. The multimodal imaging features revealed after blood displacement were analysed and then correlated to the treatment selected as a second therapeutic option. Results: A total of 96 eyes met the inclusion criteria and was evaluated in this study. SMH was displaced from the fovea in the majority of the eyes (76%), allowing several diagnostic tools to evaluate the underlying macular features. In 19 cases (19.8%) exhibiting severe macular damage, no additional treatment was applied. In the remaining eyes, subsequent treatments included anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (44.8%), photodynamic therapy (n = 2), and submacular surgery (35.4%). Statistically significant correlations were found between the macular findings revealed after blood displacement and the additional treatments or observations selected for the underlying disease. The mean follow-up was 35 months. Improvements in visual acuity were statistically significant up to 3 years. Conclusion: Intravitreal rtPA and gas injection was found to be effective for the displacement of large SMH, allowing postoperative diagnostic testing, and thus guiding the opportunity to apply further treatments. The addition of subsequent individualized treatments may allow long-term visual gain in selected cases.
Effectiveness and Safety of Intravitreal Injection of Conbercept as an Initial Treatment for Exudative Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma
Authors: Lai Kunbei , Gong Yajun , Xu Fabao , Li Longhui , Huang Chuangxin , Zhou Lijun , Zhong Xiaojing , Yang Huasheng , Lu Lin , Jin Chenjin
Published: January 2020

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) as the initial treatment for exudative circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH). Methods: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients received 3 monthly IVC (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) as the initial treatment. Three months later, the patients were assessed for further treatment including observation, reinjection of conbercept, laser photocoagulation (if the lesion was 3,000 μm away from the macular fovea), or photodynamic therapy (PDT; if the lesion was under the macular fovea). Anatomical and functional responses including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and tumor size were analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients (54.76%) were sensitive to the monotherapy of IVC. Fourteen patients (33.33%) were insensitive to IVC and underwent rescue laser photocoagulation, and 5 patients (11.90%) underwent rescue PDT due to insensitivity to IVC treatment at 3 months. For subgroup analysis, although no statistical difference was found for BCVA at any follow-up time point compared to baseline, an increasing tendency of BCVA was found in the IVC group (p> 0.05). The mean CFT decreased significantly from 427.13 ± 214.74 μm at baseline to 259.83 ± 61.68 μm at 6 months in the IVC group (p< 0.05). No influence on tumor size was found in the IVC group. Conclusion: IVC as the initial treatment might be an option for exudative CCH.
Modeling and predictive control of InGap/GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells to increase the energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Barati-Boldaji Reza , Mojalal Sepide , Seifi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2020

Physical studies of the last decade indicate that multi-junction solar cell has higher energy conversion efficiency than single-junction cells. However, choosing the type of material, modeling and finding the parameters of this type of cell has always been one of the leading challenges in this topic. Most of the proposed models are assumed to have predetermined electrical parameters of the cell or regardless of the effect of the tunnel junction, which reduces of the system. This paper discusses the modeling of solar cell triplejunction InGap/GaAs /Ge, taking into account the effect of a tunnel junction and finds the parameters of each subcellular deal. Also, predictive control will be used to control the active and reactive power of the single-phase inverter. The use of this method eliminates the need for the modulation module and the phase-lock loop (PLL). And simplifies the control algorithm for its digital implementation. The proposed cost function of this paper will be such that in addition to controlling the power of the inverter, the closed loop stability will be guaranteed based on the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the performance of the system using the software MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation will be evaluated.
A novel matlab/simulink model of DFIG drive using NSMC method with NSVM strategy
Authors: Benbouhenni Habib , Boudjema Zinelaabidine , Belaidi Abdelkader
Published: January 2020

In this article, we present a comparative study between pulse width modulation (PWM) and neural space vector modulation (NSVM) strategy associated with a neuro-sliding mode control (NSMC) of stator reactive and stator active power command of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The obtained results showed that, the proposed NSMC with NSVM strategy have rotor current with low harmonic distortion and low powers ripples than PWM strategy.
Liver Fibrosis Indices and Outcomes After Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Parikh Neal S. , Kamel Hooman , Navi Babak B. , Iadecola Costantino , Merkler Alexander E. , Jesudian Arun , Dawson Jesse , Falcone Guido J. , Sheth Kevin N. , Roh David J. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Hanley Daniel F. , Ziai Wendy C. , Murthy Santosh B. , Hanley Daniel F. , Butcher Kenneth , Davis Stephen M. , Gregson Barbara , Lees Kennedy R. , Lyden Patrick D. , Mayer Stephan A. , Muir Keith , Steiner Thorsten
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—

Cirrhosis—clinically overt, advanced liver disease—is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and poor stroke outcomes. We sought to investigate whether subclinical liver disease, specifically liver fibrosis, is associated with clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive–Intracerebral Hemorrhage. We included adult patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. We calculated 3 validated fibrosis indices—Aspartate Aminotransferase–Platelet Ratio Index, Fibrosis-4 score, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score—and modeled them as continuous exposure variables. Primary outcomes were admission hematoma volume and hematoma expansion. Secondary outcomes were mortality, and the composite of major disability or death, at 90 days. We used linear and logistic regression models adjusted for previously established risk factors.

Results—

Among 432 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, the mean Aspartate Aminotransferase–Platelet Ratio Index, Fibrosis-4, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score values on admission reflected intermediate probabilities of fibrosis, whereas standard hepatic assays and coagulation parameters were largely normal. After adjusting for potential confounders, Aspartate Aminotransferase–Platelet Ratio Index was associated with hematoma volume (β, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.04–0.36]), hematoma expansion (odds ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1–2.3]), and mortality (odds ratio, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1–2.7]). Fibrosis-4 was also associated with hematoma volume (β, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.07–0.47]), hematoma expansion (odds ratio, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.2–3.0]), and mortality (odds ratio, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1–3.6]). Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score was not associated with any outcome. Indices were not associated with the composite of major disability or death.

Conclusions—

In patients with largely normal liver chemistries, 2 liver fibrosis indices were associated with admission hematoma volume, hematoma expansion, and mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage.
Two new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from a karstic archipelago in the Salween Basin of southern Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD PERRY L. JR. , QUAH EVAN S. H. , GRISMER MARTA S. , THURA MYINT KYAW , OAKS JAMIE R. , LIN AUNG
Published: January 2020

An integrative taxonomic analysis of the 10 species of the Cyrtodactylus sinyineensis group based on squamation, color pattern, and the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and its flanking tRNA regions, recovered the newly discovered populations from Datt Kyaik and Taung Wine Hills in Kayin State as the new species Cyrtodactylus dattkyaikensis sp. nov. and C. taungwineensis sp. nov. The Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic estimates supported C. dattkyaikensis sp. nov. as the sister species of C. bayinnyiensis and C. taungwineensis sp. nov. as the sister species of C. sinyineensis. Each new species is differentially diagnosable from all other C. sinyineensis group species based on their morphological placement in multivariate space and several statistically significant mean differences is meristic squamation and color pattern data. The C. sinyineensis group ranges across an archipelago of karstic habitat-islands in the Salween Basin of southern Myanmar. The discovery of these new species continues to underscore the unprecedented high degree of diversity and site-specific endemism in this relatively small region and the urgent need for the conservation of its karstic terranes.
Rediscovery of Lustrina Kurian (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae), with redescription of L. assamensis Kurian
Authors: ROSA PAOLO , THAI PHAM HONG , MITA TOSHIHARU
Published: January 2020

The genus Lustrina Kurian, 1955 is discussed and Lustrina assamensis Kurian, 1955 is redescribed based on the examination of type specimen as well as a specimen recently collected.
A new species of Philetus Melander (Diptera: Empididae) from the Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: CUMMING JEFFREY M. , BROOKS SCOTT E.
Published: January 2020

The Nearctic genus Philetus Melander, 1928 is a rarely collected group of empidid flies that contains two western species, namely P. memorandus Melander and P. schizophorus Melander. The genus was fully diagnosed by Cumming et al. (2016) with both known species redescribed and their distributions mapped. Here we describe a third species of Philetus from a single male collected recently in the Richardson Mountains of the Yukon Territory in Canada and provide a key to species based on male morphology. Terms used for adult structures follow those of Cumming & Wood (2017) and methods follow those outlined in Cumming et al. (2016).
Delimiting the snapping shrimp Alpheus lobidens De Haan, 1849 (Caridea: Alpheidae) based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: CUNHA ANDRESSA MARIA , TEROSSI MARIANA , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L. , ALMEIDA ALEXANDRE O.
Published: January 2020

Our aim was to delimit the taxonomic status of the snapping shrimp Alpheus lobidens De Haan, 1849, based on morphological and molecular analyses of the topotype material from Nagasaki (Japan). We provide a redescription, detailed illustrations, and molecular data. Through comparisons with close-related species, we also tested the taxonomic status of A. inopinatus Holthuis & Gottlieb, 1958 and A. buckupi Almeida, Terossi, Araújo˗Silva & Mantelatto, 2013. We examined 74 specimens previously identified as A. lobidens, 84 specimens of A. buckupi, and 30 of A. inopinatus. The morphological analysis was based on the examination of 68 characters. The molecular analysis included mitochondrial gene sequences (16S) of 18 individuals: six A. lobidens, three A. buckupi, one A. inopinatus, and eight individuals of other species of Alpheidae. The morphological analysis revealed that A. lobidens sensu stricto is consistently distinct of A. lobidens sensu lato, A. inopinatus and A. buckupi. The genetic analyzes (Bayesian Inference and p-distance) corroborated the morphological results and showed a clear separation between them. The highest values of genetic divergence (p-distance) (19%) were observed between A. lobidens sensu stricto and A. buckupi, and between A. lobidens sensu stricto and A. lobidens sensu lato from Australia (Northern Territory). The lowest divergence (12%) occurred between A. lobidens sensu stricto and A. lobidens sensu lato from Marshall Islands. Based on our results, the occurrence of A. lobidens sensu stricto is currently restricted to the type locality in Japan, and A. inopinatus and A. buckupi are valid taxa. Delimiting A. lobidens sensu stricto is relevant since the name A. lobidens has been applied to cryptic species, resulting in a high unclear taxonomic state.
New species of predatory mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Cunaxidae) for southern Brazil
Authors: WURLITZER WESLEY BORGES , MONJARÁS-BARRERA JOSÉ IRVING , JOHANN LIANA , FERLA NOELI JUAREZ , DA SILVA GUILHERME LIBERATO
Published: January 2020

Two new species of Cunaxidae, Cunaxoides lajeadensis Wurlitzer & Monjarás-Barrera sp. nov. and Lupaeus waldumirus Wurlitzer & Monjarás-Barrera sp. nov., are described from Ipomoea alba L. (Convolvulaceae) on the edge of an urban forest fragment.
Poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene): An Emerging Host Material for Ion Conducting Gel Polymer Electrolyte-Cum-Separator Membrane
Authors: Gupta Shivani , Gupta Sarvesh Kumar , Pandey B. K. , Gupta A. K.
Published: January 2020

Secondary batteries based on ion conduction are among the most promising technology for next generation mobile and stationary storage system due to their unmatched volumetric energy density. However the multiple emerging challenges which include electrochemical stability, transport
efficiency and safety issues of these secondary batteries have attracted worldwide attention. The perspective of this review is that rational design of polymeric separator which is an essential component in rechargeable batteries separating anode and cathode, and controlling number of mobile
ions is crucial to overall battery performance, including lifetime, safety as well as energy and power density of battery. There is impressive progress in the exploration of separator materials. Among them, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VdF-co-HFP) have received great
attention as polymer host due to some its splendid collective property such as its amorphous nature, high room temperature ionic conductivity, high dielectric constant and the possibility of controlling the porosity of the materials through binary and ternary polymer/solvent systems. This
review focuses specifically on recent advances in P(VdF-co-HFP) based separator cum gel polymer electrolyte with detailed analysis of several embedded functional agent that are incorporated to improve ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness and thermal stability of rechargeable batteries.
Influence of Thermal Annealing on Structural and Optical Properties of Sb Doped ZnTe Thin Film
Authors: Pandey Neha , Kumar Brijesh , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: January 2020

Paper presents the influence of thermal treatment on structural and optical characteristics of Sb0.5ZnTe thin film. Alloy of Sb0.5ZnTe has been prepared through traditional and economical melt quenching technique and thin films of prepared alloy was deposited onto
glass substrate by thermal evaporation method at pressure of 10–6 Torr. The antimony doped films were annealed for 2 h at three different temperatures ranges (373 K, 393 K and 413 K). Structural characterization of as prepared and annealed film was done by XRD technique and
it was found that annealing improves the film crystal structure. UV-Vis spectrophotometer facilitates optical analysis of Sb0.5ZnTe film in wavelength range of 400–1000 nm. It was observed that band gap Eg of the Sb doped film increased while absorption coefficient
(α) decrease with increase in heating temperature. These changes in optical properties were explained in terms of defect states.
Study of Structural and Optical Properties of Non-Oxide Se90Cd10–xSbx(2 ≤ x ≤ 8) Chalcogenide Thin Films
Authors: Shukla Nitesh , Singh Pravin Kumar , Pathak H. P. , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: January 2020

Thin films of Se90Cd10–xSbx (2 ≤ x ≤ 8) of thickness 0.4 microns were prepared on ultra-clean glass substrate by thermal evaporation technique. The vacuum level was 10–6 torr. This paper intends to investigate
the impact of Sb concentration on the optical characterization. XRD measurement has been done to investigate the Structural characterization of the prepared thin films. XRD result indicates the prepared thin have amorphous nature. To analyze the optical characterization of the thin films the
absorption spectra were recorded over 400–1100 nm wavelength range. In the present study the optical absorption follows direct allowed transition. An increase in photon energy causes an increase in absorption coefficient while extinction coefficient has been found to increase with an
increase in frequency of the photons i.e., deceases with increase of wavelength. Optical bandgap (Eg) of thin films have been studied and an increase in it has been recorded with increasing Sb concentration.
Mathematical Modeling and Stability Analysis of Japanese Encephalitis
Authors: Baniya Vinod , Keval Ram
Published: January 2020

Mathematical modeling of Japanese encephalitis (JE) disease in human population with pig and mosquito has been presented in this paper. The proposed model, which involves three compartments of human (Susceptible, Vaccinated, Infected), two compartments of mosquito (Susceptible, Infected)
and three compartments of the pig (Susceptible, Vaccinated, Infected). In this work, it is assumed that JE spreads between susceptible class and infected mosquitoes only. Basic results like boundedness of the model, the existence of equilibrium and local stability issues are investigated.
Here, to measure the disease transmission potential in the population the basic reproduction number (R0) from the system has been analyzed w.r.t. control parameters both numerically and theoretically. The dynamical behaviors of the system have been analyzed by using the stability
theory of differential equations and numerical simulations at equilibrium points. A numerical verification of results is carried out of the model under consideration.
Homotopy Perturbation Method for a Class of Nonlinear Singular System of Initial Value Problems
Authors: Pathak Priti , Barnwal Amit K.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a method based on homotopy perturbation method is used to establish the recursive scheme for the solution of nonlinear singular system of initial value problems. The convergence analysis of the proposed method is also shown. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed
method are demonstrated through various examples.
Effect of cryogenic and wet coolant performance on drilling of super duplex stainless steel (2507)
Authors: Kanagaraju T. , Boopathy S. Rajendra , Gowthaman B.
Published: January 2020

In this experimental study, the cutting performance of solid carbide twist drill with wet and cryogenic cooling (LN2) was analysed for super duplex stainless steel 2507 (SDSS 2507). The drilling test was conducted at three different levels of cutting velocity (40, 50 and
60 m/min), feed rate (0.03, 0.05, 0.07 mm/rev) and constant drilling depth of 20 mm. The output response of cutting forces, torque, surface roughness, temperature, microhardness and tool wear was observed on both the condition while drilling super duplex stainless steel (2507). The experimental
result reveals that the cryogenic coolant (LN2) reduces the cutting temperature for about 27.66–55.74% than wet cooling condition. With increased feed rate the thrust force and torque increases and related to increase in the cutting velocity the thrust force and torque reduced
for both wet and cryogenic (LN2) conditions. The surface finish of the drilled hole was enhanced in cryogenic condition against wet condition. The minimum amount of flank wear was observed in the cryogenic condition through a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Investigation on nano-silica blended cementitious systems on the workability and durability performance of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Nandhini K. , Ponmalar V.
Published: January 2020

This paper manifests the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) together with the addition of nanosilica as supplementary cementitious material. For this study, nano-silica in different proportions of 1, 2 and 3% was used. The M40 grade of SCC with a total of four mixes inclusive
of control concrete was prepared. The fresh state workability of SCC was assessed by conducting the slump flow, L-box test, V-funnel test, Orimet and J-ring tests. Hardened concrete test like tensile strength was also carried out. The durability tests on permeability properties like water
absorption, porosity, sorptivity, rapid chloride penetration and sulfate resistance test were determined at the age of 7, 28, 90 and 180 days. The tensile strength showed 18.82% greater strength for 2% nano-silica compared to the control mix. The permeability tests exhibited a decrease from
378 coulombs to 99 coulombs and showed advancement in SCC with nano-silica. The scanning electron microscope study was conducted on SCC samples to determine the microstructural behavior of nano-silica. A dense matrix with better development of calcium silicate gel was observed for 2% nano-silica.
Growth and characterization of c-axis titled ZnO thin film by radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Chen Yurun , Sun Ping , Gao Cong , Yang Ting , Huang Qian
Published: January 2020

This work focuses on fabrication of c-axis tilted ZnO thin film which is used in FBAR biosensors to induce shear mode acoustic wave in the liquid environment. The ZnO thin film was deposited via using one-step method by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with fixed inclined
angle between the normal of the target and substrates. All the samples were investigated by the SEM, XRD and UV visible spectrophotometer. It is found that the motion states of substrates and angle of tilted target decide the inclined angle of crystals growth. The sputtering pressure affects
the quality of column structure. The high sputtering pressure destroy the growth of column structure. Besides, the procedure of annealing is very important for optimizing the quality and orientation of crystals growth. The thin film deposited on the static substrates at low sputtering pressure
(1.0 Pa) has preferred tilted c-axis orientation column structure. The tilted angle of c-axis is 13.6° and close to the value (13.1°) of theory formula. As for optical transmittance of samples, the optical band gap is decreased as sputtering pressure reduces.
Removal of metal ions Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution using an organic aerogel and carbon aerogel obtained by acid catalysis
Authors: Molina-Campos Daniel F. , Vargas Delgadillo Diana P. , Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Piraján Juan C.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we evaluated the adsorption capacity of the metal ions Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution of an organic aerogel, a carbon aerogel and a commercial activated carbon. Aerogel (Ae) was obtained by acid catalysis using HCl, achieving a quick synthesis, then, a
process of carbonization to obtain the carbon aerogel (CAe) was performed. Structural, textural and chemical parameters of the porous solids obtained were characterized by different experimental techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adsorption isotherms of N2 at 77 K and
CO2 at 273 K, Boehm titrations and pHPZC determination. The three adsorbents were employed in simple adsorption systems of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. It was determined that the synthesized aerogel is the material that performed the highest adsorption
capacity of the three metal ions: Ni (32.2 mg g–1) Cd (18.6 mg g–1) and Cr (35.5 mg g–1).
Why Are Stratospheric Sudden Warmings Sudden (and Intermittent)?
Authors: Nakamura Noboru , Falk Jonathan , Lubis Sandro W.
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the role of wave–mean flow interaction in the onset and suddenness of stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs). Evidence is presented that SSWs are, on average, a threshold behavior of finite-amplitude Rossby waves arising from the competition between an increasing wave activity A and a decreasing zonal-mean zonal wind u¯. The competition puts a limit to the wave activity flux that a stationary Rossby wave can transmit upward. A rapid, spontaneous vortex breakdown occurs once the upwelling wave activity flux reaches the limit, or equivalently, once u¯ drops below a certain fraction of uREF, a wave-free, reference-state wind inverted from the zonalized quasigeostrophic potential vorticity. This fraction is 0.5 in theory and about 0.3 in reanalyses. We propose r≡u¯/uREF as a local, instantaneous measure of the proximity to vortex breakdown (i.e., preconditioning). The ratio r generally stays above the threshold during strong-vortex winters until a pronounced final warming, whereas during weak-vortex winters it approaches the threshold early in the season, culminating in a precipitous drop in midwinter as SSWs form. The essence of the threshold behavior is captured by a semiempirical 1D model of SSWs, similar to the “traffic jam” model of Nakamura and Huang for atmospheric blocking. This model predicts salient features of SSWs including rapid vortex breakdown and downward migration of the wave activity/zonal wind anomalies, with analytical expressions for the respective time scales. The model’s response to a variety of transient wave forcing and damping is discussed.
Climatology and Interannual Variability of Floods during the TRMM Era (1998–2013)
Authors: Yan Yan , Wu Huan , Gu Guojun , Huang Zhijun , Alfieri Lorenzo , Li Xiaomeng , Nanding Nergui , Pan Xinshun , Tang Qiuhong
Published: January 2020

Spatial and temporal variations of global floods during the TRMM period (1998–2013) are explored by means of the outputs of the Dominant River Routing Integrated with VIC Environment model (DRIVE) driven by the precipitation rates from the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA). Climatological and seasonal mean features of floods including frequency (FF), duration (FD), and mean and total intensity (FI and FTI) are examined and further compared to those for a variety of precipitation indices derived from the daily TMPA rain rates. In general, floods and precipitation manifest similar spatial distributions, confirming that more precipitation (both amount and frequency) often indicates higher probability of floods. However, different flood indices can be associated with different precipitation characteristics with a highly region-dependent distribution. FF and FD tend to be more related to daily precipitation frequency globally, especially the mid- to high-end precipitation frequencies (F10, F25, F50). However, FI and FTI tend to be more associated with the mean volume/magnitude of those (extreme) daily precipitation events (Pr10 and Pr25). Nonetheless, daily precipitation intensity except the very high end one (R50) generally has a relatively weak effect on floods. The precipitation–flood relations at the 10 large regions are further examined, providing an improved understanding of precipitation-related flood-generating mechanisms in different locations. On the interannual time scale, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can significantly affect floods in many flood-prone zones. However, it is noted that even though the ENSO effect on floods is mostly through modulating various aspects of precipitation events, significant ENSO signals in precipitation cannot always translate to an effective, simultaneous impact on floods.
Oceanic Impacts on MJOs Detouring near the Maritime Continent
Authors: Zhou Lei , Murtugudde Raghu
Published: January 2020

Madden–Julian oscillations (MJOs) are the dominant mode of intraseasonal variability (ISV) in the atmosphere acting as a bridge between weather and climate. During boreal winter, many MJO events are detoured southward while propagating across the Maritime Continent. Although MJO simulations have been greatly improved in recent years, the mechanism and simulation of MJO detouring near the Maritime Continent are still a great scientific challenge. Several mechanisms have been proposed based on atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics. In this study, the oceanic role in MJO detouring is diagnosed using observations and reanalysis products. It is found that warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies occur over the southeastern Indian Ocean that induce a cyclone in the lower troposphere. Due to the westerly background winds, westerly winds are strengthened (weakened) to the north (south) of warm SST anomalies. As a result, the latent heat flux (LHF) is enhanced, and convection is reinforced to the north of warm SST anomalies. In contrast, the LHF is reduced, and SSTs warm to the south of pre-existing warm SST anomalies. Hence, the warm SST anomalies and convection system shift the MJOs southward before they reach the Maritime Continent. The identification of the oceanic influence on the MJO detouring deepens our understanding of the mechanism of their detour and elicits the role of the ocean. It is expected to brighten the prospects for better simulation and forecast of MJOs over the Maritime Continent. The oceanic ISV in the southeastern Indian Ocean is subject to many forcings, such as intraseasonal atmospheric forcing, the Indonesian Throughflow, local oceanic instability, and coastal Kelvin waves along Sumatra. Determining the mechanism of ISV in the southeastern Indian Ocean requires further dedicated studies.
Corridors of Mei-Yu-Season Rainfall over Eastern China
Authors: Guan Peiying , Chen Guixing , Zeng Wenxin , Liu Qian
Published: January 2020

Successive mesoscale convective systems may develop for several days during the mei-yu season (June–July) over eastern China. They can yield excessive rainfall in a narrow latitudinal band (called a corridor), causing severe floods. The climatology of rainfall corridors and related environmental factors are examined using 20 yr of satellite rainfall and atmospheric data. A total of 93 corridors are observed over eastern China, with maximum occurrence at 27°–31°N. They typically last 2–3 days, but some persist ≥4 days, with an extreme event lasting 11 days. These multiday convective episodes exhibit primary and secondary peaks in the morning and afternoon, respectively, with a diurnal cycle that is in contrast to other afternoon-peak rain events. On average, the corridors occur in ~23% days of the mei-yu season, but they can contribute ~51% of the total rainfall. They also vary with years and explain ~70% of the interannual variance of mei-yu-season rainfall. Composite analyses show that most corridors develop along zonally oriented quasi-stationary mei-yu fronts over central China where monsoon southwesterlies converge with northerly anomalies from the midlatitudes. The monsoon flow accelerates at ~0200 LST and forms a regional wind maximum or low-level jet over South China, which induces moisture flux convergence in morning-peak corridors. The nocturnal acceleration is less evident for afternoon-peak corridors. The mei-yu front and monsoon southwesterlies also influence the corridor’s duration, which is regulated by a dipole of geopotential anomalies, with positive in the tropics and negative in the midlatitudes. The dipole expresses a joint influence of the blocking patterns in midlatitudes and the El Niño–related anomalous high over the western Pacific Ocean, and the dipole's intensity explains well the interannual variations of the corridors.
Mooring Observations of Air–Sea Heat Fluxes in Two Subantarctic Mode Water Formation Regions
Authors: Tamsitt Veronica , Cerovečki Ivana , Josey Simon A. , Gille Sarah T. , Schulz Eric
Published: January 2020

Wintertime surface ocean heat loss is the key process driving the formation of Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW), but there are few direct observations of heat fluxes, particularly during winter. The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Southern Ocean mooring in the southeast Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean Flux Station (SOFS) in the southeast Indian Ocean provide the first concurrent, multiyear time series of air–sea fluxes in the Southern Ocean from two key SAMW formation regions. In this work we compare drivers of wintertime heat loss and SAMW formation by comparing air–sea fluxes and mixed layers at these two mooring locations. A gridded Argo product and the ERA5 reanalysis product provide temporal and spatial context for the mooring observations. Turbulent ocean heat loss is on average 1.5 times larger in the southeast Indian (SOFS) than in the southeast Pacific (OOI), with stronger extreme heat flux events in the southeast Indian leading to larger cumulative winter ocean heat loss. Turbulent heat loss events in the southeast Indian (SOFS) occur in two atmospheric regimes (cold air from the south or dry air circulating via the north), while heat loss events in the southeast Pacific (OOI) occur in a single atmospheric regime (cold air from the south). On interannual time scales, wintertime anomalies in net heat flux and mixed layer depth (MLD) are often correlated at the two sites, particularly when wintertime MLDs are anomalously deep. This relationship is part of a larger basin-scale zonal dipole in heat flux and MLD anomalies present in both the Indian and Pacific basins, associated with anomalous meridional atmospheric circulation.
The Hybrid-Scan Estimators: Exploiting WSR-88D Split Cuts to Improve the Quality of Polarimetric-Variable Estimates
Authors: Schvartzman David , Torres Sebastián M. , Warde David
Published: January 2020

Since the dual-polarization upgrade of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), the polarimetric variables have become a fundamental tool for better interpretation and forecasting of hazardous weather events. Thus, improving their quality has been an important long-standing effort. In this paper, we introduce the hybrid-scan estimators (HSE), which use the available data in split cuts of operational volume coverage patterns (VCP) to provide better estimates of differential reflectivity, differential phase, and correlation coefficient. The HSE are designed to choose between the data provided by either one of the two scans in split cuts based on their expected statistical performance, resulting in the same or better data quality compared to the conventional estimators. The performance improvement realized with the HSE is characterized with simulations and illustrated with data from WSR-88D. While relatively simple, an operational implementation of the HSE could bring improvements to forecasters’ data interpretation and algorithm performance, both of which rely on dual-polarization radar data.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Motor and Phonic Tics: A Case Report
Authors: Kohli Nikita , Blitzer Andrew
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To present a unique approach to the treatment of motor and phonic tics.

Patient:

A 26-year-old male presented with motor and phonic tics including grunting, coughing, and throat clearing.

Intervention:

The patient was treated with 2.5 units of onabotulinum toxin A (BoNT) to the facial mimetic musculature and 2.5 units to each supraglottic musculature via a transthyrohyoid membrane approach under fiberoptic visualization.

Results:

The patient experienced reduction in the frequency, intensity, and interference with daily life of motor and phonic tics on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS).

Conclusion:

This patient experienced subjective and objective decreases in tic severity using a unique approach in the treatment of phonic tics. Results suggest a novel approach in the treatment of phonic tics and bolster the data regarding safe and effective use of BoNT for tic disorder.

Level of evidence:

Level V, case report.
Performance evaluation of schools’ math education from a cultural, social and economic point of view by data envelopment analysis modeling
Authors: Haghi Ehsan , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh Mohsen , Behzadi Mohammad Hasan , Shahvarani Ahmad
Published: January 2020

This paper aimed at investigating the impacts of some cultural, social and economic factors of the students’ families on the students’ education and attitude toward mathematics. This study has been carried out through the use of data envelopment analysis. Data envelopment analysis is a linear programming method that its main purpose is to compare and evaluate the efficiency of a number of similar decision-making units, and to compare and analyze them, which have different values of consumed inputs and produced outputs. In this study, the inputs are the various aspects of cultural, social and economic conditions (such as family income, physical and mental health condition of the family members, and parents’ occupation) of the families of 300 sixth-grade elementary school students in district 4 of Tehran, and the outputs are the extent of achievement in the mathematics test and the interest of the students of the mentioned schools to the activities related to the mathematics course and moral discipline. After the completion of the investigations, the effective and ineffective units were identified and the results were completely interpreted.
A fast vibration-level adjustment method for low-frequency vibration calibration based on modified filtered-x least mean square algorithm
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Zhangwei
Published: January 2020

Traditionally, successive approximation method is applied to the vibration-level adjustment of vibration calibration system, which leads to a time-consuming work for low-frequency vibration calibration. In this paper, a novel control method for low-frequency vibration calibration system is proposed based on adaptive filter. First, the problem of the traditional vibration-level adjustment for low-frequency signals is depicted. Then, an adaptive control algorithm is presented, in which the control input is composed of two weighted sinusoidal signals with a phase difference of 90°. The weighted vector is updated in real time using a modified filtered-x least mean square algorithm. Unlike filtered-x least mean square algorithm, the proposed modified filtered-x least mean square algorithm does not require a pre-identification of the controlled system and has a reduced computational complexity. The convergence property of the proposed method is analyzed in detail. Finally, the proposed method is implemented on a low-frequency vibration calibration system. Experimental results show that the proposed modified filtered-x least mean square algorithm can significantly reduce the time of the vibration-level adjustment in low-frequency band.
Experimental investigation on heat transfer augmentation of transverse twisted tapes in a confined rectangular channel
Authors: Jaganathan KD , Sivasubramanian M
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the influence of twisted tape inserts on a flow pathway in transverse direction of a flow situation. An array of twisted tapes was mounted on the confined channel to disturb the flow to enhance the heat transfer. The test section had 20 twisted tapes of 35-mm height, 10-mm width and a twist angle of 180° mounted on a silica gel–coated plate. Experiments were conducted on the fabricated experimental setup for different discharge conditions. The Reynolds number considered for the study ranged from 2300 to 3500, and the heat inputs varied from 50 to 250 W, with an interval of 50 W. To visualize the presence of twisted tapes on the flow path, the rectangular channel was visualized by laser flow visualization method, which reported the impact of the twisted tapes on the flow. The existence of twisted tape affects the flow, and it forms a swirl that provides a proper mixing of fluid to enhance heat transfer. The outcome of the present investigation provides a solution to enhance heat transfer and proposes the use of twisted tapes instead of using segmented fins in design of fins.
A measurement method of batch solution concentration based on normalized compressed sensing
Authors: He Wei , Zhu Songsheng , Wang Wei
Published: January 2020

Measuring large batches of solution concentrations is a cumbersome task that is time consuming and involves many reagents. Determining how to improve the measurement efficiency of batch concentrations is an urgent problem to be solved. This paper introduces an efficient method for the measurement of batch solution concentrations based on normalized compressed sensing. The method is based on the sparsity of natural signals and can reconstruct the original batch concentration signals with a high level of accuracy while taking fewer measurements. The proposed method extracts subsamples from the original samples according to a sampling matrix; the number of subsamples can be much smaller than the original number of samples. Then the solution concentration of the original samples can be reconstructed by measuring the subsamples. The specific process includes sparse signal representation, non-related observation, and nonlinear optimization reconstruction. Compared with the traditional measurement method, the proposed method is demonstrably superior for the measurement of batch solution concentrations; satisfactory batch solution concentration distribution results can be obtained with a number of measurements that is much smaller than the number of samples. The proposed method will greatly reduce the time and cost of measurement.
Inhibiting Corrosion of Biomedical-Grade Ti-6Al-4V Alloys with Graphene Nanocoating
Authors: Malhotra R. , Han Y.M. , Morin J.L.P. , Luong-Van E.K. , Chew R.J.J. , Castro Neto A.H. , Nijhuis C.A. , Rosa V.
Published: January 2020

The identification of metal ions and particles in the vicinity of failed implants has raised the concern that biomedical titanium alloys undergo corrosion in healthy and infected tissues. Various surface modifications and coatings have been investigated to prevent the deterioration and biocorrosion of titanium alloys but so far with limited success. Graphene is a cytocompatible atom-thick film made of carbon atoms. It has a very high surface area and can be deposited onto metal objects with complex shapes. As the carbon lattice has a very small pore size, graphene has promising impermeability capacity. Here, we show that graphene coating can effectively protect Ti-6Al-4V from corrosion. Graphene nanocoatings were produced on Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 and 23 discs and subjected to corrosive challenge (0.5M NaCl supplemented with 2-ppm fluoride, pH of 2.0) up to 30 d. The linear polarization resistance curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that the graphene-coated samples presented higher corrosion resistance and electrochemical stability at all time points. Moreover, the corrosion rate of the graphene-coated samples was very low and stable (~0.001 mm/y), whereas that of the uncoated controls increased up to 16 and 5 times for grade 5 and 23 (~0.091 mm/y) at the end point, respectively. The surface oxidation, degradation (e.g., crevice defects), and leaching of Ti, Al, and V ions observed in the uncoated controls were prevented by the graphene nanocoating. The Raman mappings confirmed that the graphene nanocoating presented high structural stability and resistance to mechanical stresses and chemical degradation, keeping >99% of coverage after corrosion challenge. Our findings open the avenues for the use of graphene as anticorrosion coatings for metal biomedical alloys and implantable devices.
Temporal Trajectory of Body Image Disturbance in Patients with Surgically Treated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Hill Elizabeth G. , Marsh Courtney H. , Maurer Stacey , Day Terry A. , Hornig Joshua D. , Lentsch Eric J. , Neskey David M. , Skoner Judith , Sterba Katherine R.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To characterize the temporal trajectory of body image disturbance (BID) in patients with surgically treated head and neck cancer (HNC).

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods:

Patients with HNC who were undergoing surgery completed the Body Image Scale (BIS), a validated patient‐reported outcome measure of BID, pretreatment and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months posttreatment. Changes in BIS scores (ΔBIS) relative to pretreatment (primary endpoint) were analyzed with a linear mixed model. Associations between demographics, clinical characteristics, psychosocial attributes, and persistently elevated BIS scores and increases in BIS scores ≥5 points relative to pretreatment (secondary endpoints) were analyzed through logistic regression.

Results

Of the 68 patients, most were male (n = 43), had oral cavity cancer (n = 37), and underwent microvascular reconstruction (n = 45). Relative to baseline, mean ΔBIS scores were elevated at 1 month postoperatively (2.9; 95% CI, 1.3‐4.4) and 3 (3.2; 95% CI, 1.5‐4.9) and 6 (1.8; 95% CI, 0.02‐3.6) months posttreatment before returning to baseline at 9 months posttreatment (0.9; 95% CI, –0.8 to 2.5). Forty‐three percent of patients (19 of 44) had persistently elevated BIS scores at 9 months posttreatment relative to baseline, and 51% (31 of 61) experienced an increase in BIS scores ≥5 relative to baseline.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients surgically treated for HNC, BID worsens posttreatment before returning to pretreatment (baseline) levels at 9 months posttreatment. However, 4 in 10 patients will experience a protracted course with persistent posttreatment body image concerns, and half will experience a significant increase in BIS scores relative to pretreatment levels.
Improving On‐time Discharge in Otolaryngology Admissions
Authors: Gordon Steven A. , Garber David , Taufique Zahrah , Shao Qianhui , Amin Milan R. , Roland J. Thomas , Givi Babak
Published: January 2020

Objective

We conducted a quality improvement project to increase the rate of discharges before noon (DBN) in the otolaryngology department at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Based on a Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act framework, monthly discharge data and observed‐to‐expected (O:E) length of stay were collected and shared with the department members monthly. A target of 43% DBN was predetermined by the center (Plan). The following interventions were implemented (Do): discharge planning starting at the time of admission, focus on early attending‐to‐resident team communication, placement of discharge order prior to rounding, and weekly reminders to the entire department.

Results

Discharges were monitored for 3 years. For the year prior to this study, a minority of patients were discharged before noon (12 months: 75 of 190, 36%). During the first 6 months of monitoring (Study), no significant improvement was identified (34 of 95, 36%). After interventions, performance significantly improved (31 months: 250 of 548, 68%). The performance was consistently above the predetermined target of 43%. During the study time, O:E length of stay remained below the predetermined target (O:E ratio, 0.90; hospital target, 0.93).

Discussion

Comprehensive discharge planning beginning at the time of admission, weekly reminders, and improved communication (Act) can help to prioritize DBN and increase the percentage of discharges before noon.

Implications for Practice

By utilizing a quality improvement framework, significant improvements in timely discharge can be achieved and sustained with changes in workflow and departmental culture. These changes can be achieved without increases in resources or prolonging the length of stay.