bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence Production for Psychosocial Treatment of Substance Use Problems
Authors: Bergmark Anders , Karlsson Patrik
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Aims: In the article at hand we intend to discuss to what extent hitherto efforts towards standardization and quality assurance have been able to achieve stability concerning the production of evidence, and whether an actual evidence-based practice for psychosocial interventions for alcohol and drug problems is anywhere truly in the making. Methods: To explain several methodological inadequacies we make use of a perspective commonly referred to as the actor-network theory (ANT). This is characterized by a strong interest in detailed analysis of how an innovation or an idea is transformed due to interaction with its situated and specific conditions. The empirical material is taken from four earlier studies of our own hands. Results: We have given examples of how an unsystematic handling of different control group designs can lead to serious misinterpretations of intervention effects. The same goes for researcher allegiance, the use of different types of criteria in order to rank different types of evidence, unmotivated restrictions on the inclusion of evidence in a given systematic review, or as in the case of several US clearinghouses, to use extremely weak criteria when discriminating between what is evidence-based and what is not. Conclusions: We suggest that all of these shortcomings are directly or indirectly related to translations, modifications or neglect to adhere to methodological rules intended to produce a reduction of biases and increase standardization
Automated Estimation and Tools to Extract Positions, Velocities, Breaks, and Seasonal Terms From Daily GNSS Measurements: Illuminating Nonlinear Salton Trough Deformation
Authors: Heflin Michael , Donnellan Andrea , Parker Jay , Lyzenga Gregory , Moore Angelyn , Ludwig Lisa Grant , Rundle John , Wang Jun , Pierce Marlon
Published: May 2020

This paper describes the methods used to estimate positions, velocities, breaks, and seasonal terms from daily Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. Break detection and outlier removal have been automated so that decades of daily measurements from thousands of stations can be processed in a few hours. New measurements are added, and parameters are updated every week. Model parameters allow separation of interseismic, annual, coseismic, and postseismic signals. Tools available through GeoGateway (http://geo-gateway.org) allow rapid visualization and analysis of these terms for results that can be subsetted in time or space. Results show highly variable and nonlinear motion for GPS stations in southern California. The variable motion is related to seasonal motions, distributed tectonic motion, earthquakes, and postseismic motions that can continue for years. In some areas results suggest that additional processes are responsible for the observed motions. In general, following earthquakes, stations return to their long‐term motions after 2–3 years, though some exceptions occur. The use of the tools shows nonlinear motion in the Salton Trough of southern California related to the 2010 M7.2 El Mayor‐Cucapah earthquake, 2012 Brawley earthquake swarm, and a creep event on the Superstition Hills fault in 2017.
The Changing Eigenfrequency Continuum During Geomagnetic Storms: Implications for Plasma Mass Dynamics and ULF Wave Coupling
Authors: Wharton S. J. , Rae I. J. , Sandhu J. K. , Walach M.‐T. , Wright D. M. , Yeoman T. K.
Published: May 2020

Geomagnetic storms are one of the most energetic space weather phenomena. Previous studies have shown that the eigenfrequencies of ultralow frequency (ULF) waves on closed magnetic field lines in the inner magnetosphere decrease during storm times. This change suggests either a reduction in the magnetic field strength and/or an increase in its plasma mass density distribution. We investigate the changes in local eigenfrequencies by applying a superposed multiple‐epoch analysis to cross‐phase spectra from 132 geomagnetic storms. Six ground magnetometer pairs are used to investigate variations from approximately 3 < L < 7 and across the whole dayside sector. We find that at L > 4, the eigenfrequencies decrease by as much as 50% relative to their quiet time values. Both a decrease in magnetic field strength and an increase in plasma mass density, in some locations by more than a factor of 2, are responsible for this reduction. The enhancement of the ring current and an increase in oxygen ion density could explain these observations. At L < 4, the eigenfrequencies increase due to the decrease in plasma mass density caused by plasmaspheric erosion.
Efficient Method of Moments for Simulating Atmospheric Aerosol Growth: Model Description, Verification, and Application
Authors: Shen J. , Yu M. , Chan T. L. , Tu C. , Liu Y.
Published: May 2020

The atmospheric aerosol dynamics model (AADM) has been widely used in both comprehensive air quality model systems and chemical transport modeling globally. The AADM consists of Smoluchowski's coagulation equation (SCE), whose solution undergoing Brownian coagulation in the free molecular regime is a challenge because it is inconsistent with aerosols whose size distribution cannot exactly follow the lognormal size distribution. Thus, a new method for solving the SCE without assuming lognormal size distribution is proposed and developed. The underlying principle of this method is that the hybridization of the well‐established method of moments with the assumed lognormal size distribution (log MOM) and Taylor‐series expansion method of moments (TEMOM) is implemented. This method shows excellent agreement with the sectional method (SM) which is used as reference. The accuracy of these two specific models closely approaches that of the TEMOM, but overcomes the limitation of the classical log MOM. The computational time of this scheme is considerably lower than that of the SM. The new method was successfully implemented to reveal the formation and growth of secondary particles emitted from a vehicle exhaust tailpipe. It was found that the formation of new particles only occurs in the interface region of the turbulent exhaust jet (which is very close to the tailpipe exit), whereas no new particles are formed in the mixture of the exhaust jet plume and the surrounding cold air downstream. The new method is verified as an efficient and reliable numerical scheme for studying atmospheric aerosol dynamics.
Dynamical Evolution of Simulated Particles Ejected From Asteroid Bennu
Authors: McMahon Jay W. , Scheeres Daniel J. , Chesley Steven R. , French Andrew , Brack Daniel , Farnocchia Davide , Takahashi Yu , Rozitis Benjamin , Tricarico Pasquale , Mazarico Erwan , Bierhaus Beau , Emery Joshua P. , Hergenrother Carl W. , Lauretta Dante S.
Published: May 2020

In early 2019, the OSIRIS‐REx spacecraft discovered small particles being ejected from the surface of the near‐Earth asteroid Bennu.sww Although they were seen to be ejected at slow speeds, on the order of tens of cm/s, a number of particles were surprisingly seen to orbit for multiple revolutions and days, which requires a dynamical mechanism to quickly and substantially modify the orbit to prevent re‐impact upon their first periapse passage. This paper demonstrates that, based on simulations constrained by the conditions of the observed events, the combined effects of gravity, solar radiation pressure, and thermal radiation pressure from Bennu can produce many sustained orbits for ejected particles. Furthermore, the simulated populations exhibit two interesting phenomena that could play an important role in the geophysical evolution of bodies such as Bennu. First, small particles (<1 cm radius) are preferentially removed from the system, which could lead to a deficit of such particles on the surface. Second, re‐impacting particles preferentially land near or on the equatorial bulge of Bennu. Over time, this can lead to crater in‐filling and growth of the equatorial radius without requiring landslides.
Shrinking Ice Sheets Lifted Global Sea Level 14 Millimeters
Authors: Hornyak Tim
Published: May 2020

Researchers measure both grounded and floating ice sheets using satellite data spanning a 16-year period.
Statistical Analysis of Joule Heating and Thermosphere Response During Geomagnetic Storms of Different Magnitudes
Authors: Wang Xin , Miao Juan , Aa Ercha , Ren Tingling , Wang Yuxian , Liu Ji , Liu Siqing
Published: May 2020

During a geomagnetic storm, the energy deposition from magnetosphere to thermosphere through Joule heating leads to variations in the total mass density of thermosphere. In this study, measurements obtained from the Challenging Minisatellite Payload and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites between 2002 and 2008 are used to study the response of thermospheric density during geomagnetic storms of different magnitudes inferred from the Dst index. Based on the height‐integrated Joule heating with data derived from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft, we statistically analyze 265 geomagnetic storm cases to study the characteristics of Joule heating distribution and its influence on thermospheric density. The results show that between thermospheric density and Joule heating during weak and moderate geomagnetic storms, the time lag is only about 0–2 hr, while the same for intense storms is 3–5 hr. This indicates that the time lag is positively correlated with the intensity of geomagnetic storms. Besides, it is found that the peak duration of Joule heating increases for more intense geomagnetic storms.
Lactate concentration in breast cancer using advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Cheung Sai Man , Husain Ehab , Masannat Yazan , Miller Iain D. , Wahle Klaus , Heys Steven D. , He Jiabao
Published: May 2020

Background

Precision medicine in breast cancer demands markers sensitive to early treatment response. Aerobic glycolysis (AG) upregulates lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) with elevated lactate production; however, existing approaches for lactate quantification are either invasive or impractical clinically.

Methods

Thirty female patients (age 39–78 years, 15 grade II and 15 grade III) with invasive ductal carcinoma were enrolled. Lactate concentration was quantified from freshly excised whole tumours with double quantum filtered (DQF) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), LDH-A and proliferative marker Ki-67 were assessed histologically.

Results

There was a significantly higher lactate concentration (t = 2.2224, p = 0.0349) in grade III (7.7 ± 2.9 mM) than in grade II (5.5 ± 2.4 mM). Lactate concentration was correlated with NPI (ρ = 0.3618, p = 0.0495), but not with Ki-67 (ρ = 0.3041, p = 0.1023) or tumour size (r = 0.1716, p = 0.3645). Lactate concentration was negatively correlated with LDH-A (ρ = −0.3734, p = 0.0421).

Conclusion

Our results showed that lactate concentration in whole breast tumour from DQF MRS is sensitive to tumour grades and patient prognosis.
The proteasome activator REGγ accelerates cardiac hypertrophy by declining PP2Acα–SOD2 pathway
Authors: Xie Yifan , Gao Yang , Gao Rifeng , Yang Wenlong , Dong Zheng , Moses Robb E. , Sun Aijun , Li Xiaotao , Ge Junbo
Published: May 2020

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy eventually leads to heart failure without adequate treatment. REGγ is emerging as 11S proteasome activator of 20S proteasome to promote the degradation of cellular proteins in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner. Here, we found that REGγ was significantly upregulated in the transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophic hearts and angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated cardiomyocytes. REGγ deficiency ameliorated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy were associated with inhibition of cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and suppression of protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit α (PP2Acα) decay. Mechanistically, REGγ interacted with and targeted PP2Acα for degradation directly, thereby leading to increase of phosphorylation levels and nuclear export of Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) 3a and subsequent of SOD2 decline, ROS accumulation, and cardiac hypertrophy. Introducing exogenous PP2Acα or SOD2 to human cardiomyocytes significantly rescued the REGγ-mediated ROS accumulation of Ang II stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP prevented cardiac ROS production and hypertrophy features that REGγ caused in vivo, thereby establishing a REGγ–PP2Acα–FoxO3a–SOD2 pathway in cardiac oxidative stress and hypertrophy, indicates modulating the REGγ-proteasome activity may be a potential therapeutic approach in cardiac hypertrophy-associated disorders.
Multiscale modelling of motility wave propagation in cell migration
Authors: Khataee Hamid , Czirok Andras , Neufeld Zoltan
Published: May 2020

The collective motion of cell monolayers within a tissue is a fundamental biological process that occurs during tissue formation, wound healing, cancerous invasion, and viral infection. Experiments have shown that at the onset of migration, the motility is self-generated as a polarisation wave starting from the leading edge of the monolayer and progressively propagates into the bulk. However, it is unclear how the propagation of this motility wave is influenced by cellular properties. Here, we investigate this question using a computational model based on the Potts model coupled to the dynamics of intracellular polarisation. The model captures the propagation of the polarisation wave and suggests that the cells cortex can regulate the migration modes: strongly contractile cells may depolarise the monolayer, whereas less contractile cells can form swirling movement. Cortical contractility is further found to limit the cells motility, which (i) decelerates the wave speed and the leading edge progression, and (ii) destabilises the leading edge. Together, our model describes how different mechanical properties of cells can contribute to the regulation of collective cell migration.
Syncope and bifascicular block in the absence of structural heart disease
Authors: Rivera-López Ricardo , Cabrera-Ramos Mercedes , Jordán-Martinez Laura , Jimenez-Jaimez Juan , Macias-Ruiz Rosa , Aguilar-Alonso Eduardo , Rivera-Fernandez Ricardo , Sanchez-Cantalejo Emilio , Tercedor Luis , Alvarez Miguel
Published: May 2020

The treatment of patients with bifascicular block (BFB) and syncope in the absence of structural heart disease (SHD) is not well defined. The objective of our study is to compare pacemaker empirical implantation with the use of electrophysiological studies (EPS). This is a prospective cohort study that included 77 patients with unexplained cardiogenic syncope and BFB without structural heart disease between 1997 and 2012. Two groups: 36 patients received empirical pacemakers (Group A) and 41 underwent EPS (Group B) to guide their treatment. The incidence of syncope recurrence and atrioventricular block was lower in group A. Mortality and complication rates were similar between both groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a higher number of events (combined endpoint) in group B. Our study shows that treatment according to EPS does not improve the results of a treatment strategy based on empirical pacemaker.
Strawberry fatty acyl glycosides enhance disease protection, have antibiotic activity and stimulate plant growth
Authors: Grellet Bournonville Carlos , Filippone María Paula , Di Peto Pía de los Ángeles , Trejo María Fernanda , Couto Alicia Susana , Mamaní de Marchese Alicia , Díaz Ricci Juan Carlos , Welin Björn , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro
Published: May 2020

An increasing interest in the development of products of natural origin for crop disease and pest control has emerged in the last decade. Here we introduce a new family of strawberry acyl glycosides (SAGs) formed by a trisaccharide (GalNAc-GalNAc-Glc) and a monounsaturated fatty acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms linked to the glucose unit. Application of SAGs to Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter Arabidopsis) plants triggered a transient oxidative burst, callose deposition and defense gene expression, accompanied by increased protection against two phytopathogens, Pseudomonas viridiflava and Botrytis cinerea. SAGs-induced disease protection was also demonstrated in soybean infected with the causal agent of target spot, Corynespora cassiicola. SAGs were shown to exhibit important antimicrobial activity against a wide-range of bacterial and fungal phytopathogens, most probably through membrane destabilization, and the potential use of SAGs as a biofungicide for postharvest disease protection was demonstrated on lemon fruits infected with Penicillium digitatum. Plant growth promotion by application of SAGs was shown by augmented primary root elongation, secondary roots development and increased siliques formation in Arabidopsis, whereas a significant increment in number of seed pods was demonstrated in soybean. Stimulation of radicle development and the induction of an auxin-responsive reporter system (DR5::GUS) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, suggested that SAGs-stimulated growth at least partly acts through the auxin response pathway. These results indicate that strawberry fatty acid glycosides are promising candidates for the development of environmental-friendly products for disease management in soybean and lemon.
A molecular dynamics study on magnetic imidazolium-based ionic liquids: the effect of an external magnetic field
Authors: Daneshvar Azadeh , Moosavi Majid , Sabzyan Hassan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we have reported a molecular dynamics (MD) study on the properties of three different magnetic imidazolium-based ionic liquids in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field.
Accurate sulfur determination of coal using double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Yiwen , Zhang Wen , Xiong Zhang , Cui Haohao , Li Qingzhou , Zhou Ran , Zhang Youjian , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Li Qing
Published: May 2020

A helium atmosphere combined with DP-LIBS was presented to enhance the SNR and spectral intensity of S in coal, and weaken the spectral interference from O I 926.6 nm, to achieve high accuracy and sensitivity detection.
Deep learning networks for the recognition and quantitation of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Weng Shizhuang , Yuan Hecai , Zhang Xueyan , Li Pan , Zheng Ling , Zhao Jinling , Huang Linsheng
Published: May 2020

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based on machine learning methods has been applied in material analysis, biological detection, food safety, and intelligent analysis.
Methods for easy recognition of isostructurality – lab jack-like crystal structures of halogenated 2-phenylbenzimidazoles
Authors: Bombicz Petra , May Nóra V. , Fegyverneki Dániel , Saranchimeg Avirmed , Bereczki Laura
Published: May 2020

Easy recognition and numerical description of isostructurality; how different the similar structures can be; supramolecular aspects of isostructurality.
Metal organic frameworks for adsorption-based separation of fluorocompounds: a review
Authors: Wanigarathna Darshika K. J. A. , Gao Jiajian , Liu Bin
Published: May 2020

In this article, we review the advancement of metal organic frameworks in terms of their adsorption capacity, selectivity and regenerability for the adsorption-based separation of fluorocompounds.
Universal direct patterning of colloidal quantum dots by (extreme) ultraviolet and electron beam lithography
Authors: Dieleman Christian D. , Ding Weiyi , Wu Lianjia , Thakur Neha , Bespalov Ivan , Daiber Benjamin , Ekinci Yasin , Castellanos Sonia , Ehrler Bruno
Published: May 2020

A general, one-step patterning technique for colloidal quantum dots by direct optical or e-beam lithography. Photons (5.5–91.9 eV) and electrons (3 eV–50 kV) crosslink and immobilize QDs down to tens of nm while preserving the luminescent properties.
Trigger-responsive engineered-nanocarriers and image-guided theranostics for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ahamad Nadim , Prabhakar Ameya , Mehta Sourabh , Singh Ekta , Bhatia Eshant , Sharma Shivam , Banerjee Rinti
Published: May 2020

Overview of trigger-responsive engineered-nanocarriers (ENCs), image-guided ENCs, and multimodal ENCs explored in treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Multilayer electrodeposition of Pt onto 1–2 nm Au nanoparticles using a hydride-termination approach
Authors: Lapp Aliya S. , Crooks Richard M.
Published: May 2020

Here we report on hydride-terminated (HT) electrodeposition of Pt multilayers onto ∼1.6 nm Au nanoparticles (NPs).
Water deteriorates lubricating oils: removal of water in lubricating oils using a robust superhydrophobic membrane
Authors: Zhao Siyang , Tie Lu , Guo Zhiguang , Li Jing
Published: May 2020

Lubricating oil failure caused by water is solved by a robust membrane that shows steady performance in regard to extreme water repellency, high-efficiency purification of lubricating oils, and low wear volume even after harsh mechanical damage.
Branched macromonomers from catalytic chain transfer polymerisation (CCTP) as precursors for emulsion-templated porous polymers
Authors: Atkins Christophe J. , Seow David K. , Burns Gerard , Town James S. , Hand Rachel A. , Lester Daniel W. , Cameron Neil R. , Haddleton David M. , Eissa Ahmed M.
Published: May 2020

Catalytic chain transfer polymerisation (CCTP) is combined for the first time with emulsion-templating to generate polyHIPE materials where functionality and rigidity can be tightly tailored, broadening their scope of application.
The effect of LTA gene polymorphisms on cancer risk: an updated systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Li Jingdong , Wang Yaxuan , Chang Xueliang , Han Zhenwei
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive account of the association of five Lymphotoxin-α (LTA) gene polymorphisms (rs1041981, rs2229094, rs2239704, rs746868, rs909253) with susceptibility to cancer.

Methods: A literature search for eligible candidate gene studies published before 28 February 2020 was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The following combinations of main keywords were used: (LTA OR Lymphotoxin alpha OR TNF-β OR tumor necrosis factor-beta) AND (polymorphism OR mutation OR variation OR SNP OR genotype) AND (cancer OR tumor OR neoplasm OR malignancy OR carcinoma OR adenocarcinoma). Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were estimated.

Results: Overall, a total of 24 articles with 24577 cases and 33351 controls for five polymorphisms of LTA gene were enrolled. We identified that rs2239704 was associated with a reduced risk of cancer. While for other polymorphisms, the results showed no significant association with cancer risk. In the stratified analysis of rs1041981, we found that Asians might have less susceptibility to cancer. At the same time, we found that rs2239704 was negatively correlated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While, for rs909253, an increased risk of cancer for Caucasians and HCC susceptibility were uncovered in the stratified analysis of by ethnicity and cancer type.

Conclusion: LTA rs2239704 polymorphism is inversely associated with the risk of cancer. LTA rs1041981 polymorphism is negatively associated with cancer risk in Asia. While, LTA rs909253 polymorphism is a risk factor for HCC in Caucasian population.
miR-26a-5p mediates TLR signaling pathway by targeting CTGF in LPS-induced alveolar macrophage
Authors: Li Chunyan , Han Tingfeng , Li Run , Fu Liming , Yue Lei
Published: May 2020

To explore the regulation mechanism of miR-26a-5p and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alveolar macrophages, which is a severe pneumonia cell model. MH-S cells were grouped into Normal group, Model group, negative control (NC) group, miR-26a-5p mimic group, oe-CTGF group, miR-26a-5p mimic + oe-CTGF group. The expression level of miR-26a-5p, CTGF and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling related molecules (TLR2, TLR4 and nuclear factor-κB p65) were detected by qRT-PCR and WB, respectively. The cell viability and apoptosis rate were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. Compared with the Normal group, the expression level of miR-26a-5p was significantly decreased, while CTGF protein level was significantly increased in the Model group. Compared with the Model group, MH-S cells with miR-26a-5p overexpression showed enhanced cell viability, decreased apoptosis rate, declined expression level of TLR signaling related molecules and reduced level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, while those with CTGF overexpression had an opposite phenotype. In conclusion, miR-26a-5p can inhibit the expression of CTGF and mediate TLR signaling pathway to inhibit the cell apoptosis and reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in alveolar macrophages which is a cell model of severe pneumonia.
Association between SNAP25 and human glioblastoma multiform: a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Yu Cheng , Yin Jianxing , Wang Xiefeng , Chen Lijiu , Wei Yutian , Lu Chenfei , You Yongping
Published: May 2020

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a most common aggressive malignant brain tumor. In recent years, targeted therapy has been increasingly applied in GBM treatment.

Methods: In the present study, GSE22866 was downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO). The genomic and clinical data were obtained from TCGA. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functional analysis was performed using clusterprofiler. Then, the co-expression network for the DEGs was established using the “WGCNA” package. Next, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) was assessed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING) and hub modules in Cytoscape were screened. The Venn diagram was plotted to showcase the overlapped hub DEGs in PPI network and TCGA. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to predict the risk score of each patient. Validations of the hub gene were completed in other databases.

Results: Functional analysis of the DEGs verified the involvement of DEGs in growth factor binding and gated channel activity. Among the 10 GBM-related modules, the red one displayed the strongest tie with GBM. VAMP2 was filtered out as the most intimate protein. The PPI network and TCGA were comprehensively analyzed. Finally, SNAP25 was identified as a real hub gene positively correlated with GBM prognosis. The result was validated by GEPIA, ONCOMINE database and qRT-PCR.

Conclusions: SNAP25 might act as a GBM suppressor and a biomarker in GBM treatment.
Integrated optical digital‐to‐analogue converter for a 2‐bit BPSK‐modulated signal based on a silicon photonics waveguide
Authors: Aikawa Y.
Published: May 2020

An integrated optical digital‐to‐analogue (DA) converter, which is intended for a phase‐shift keying (PSK) modulation signal, is presented to realise a fully transparent optical communication system. The converter is provided with a silicon‐based optical waveguide structure in a compact size equal to 1/3000 that of the previous study. The device optically performs a conversion of digital data to their equivalent analogue values by generating a quadrature PSK (QPSK) signal from two binary PSK (BPSK) modulated pulses. In the author's experiment, the resulting QPSK signal is converted into four different intensities depending on the pattern of the 2‐bit BPSK signal at 10 GHz. This fact indicates the experimental demonstration of optical DA conversion for PSK modulation using the integrated device.
Load‐modulation technique without using quarter‐wavelength transmission line
Authors: Abdulkhaleq Ahmed M. , Yahya Maan A. , Parchin Naser O. , Al‐Yasir Yasir , Sajedin Maryam , Elfergani Issa , McEwan Neil J. , Abd‐Alhameed Raed A. , Rayit Ashwain , Rodriguez Jonathan
Published: May 2020

A proposed method for achieving active load‐modulation technique without using a quarter‐wavelength transmission line is discussed and evaluated. The theoretical analysis shows that the active load‐modulation can be achieved without using a quarter‐wavelength line, where the main amplifier sees a low impedance when the input signal level is low, and this impedance increases in proportion to the amount of current contributed from the peaking amplifier. The peaking amplifier sees an impedance decreasing from infinity to the normalized impedance. To validate the method, a circuit was designed, simulated and fabricated using two symmetrical gallium nitride (GaN) transistors (6 W) to achieve a peak power of 12 W and 6 dB output back‐off efficiency. The design operates with 400 MHz bandwidth at 3.6 GHz and showed an average efficiency of 50% at 6 dB back‐off and an efficiency of 75% at peak power. The designed circuit was tested with CW and modulated signals, the amplifier showed an Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) of 31–35.5 dB when tested with a wideband code division multiple access signal of 6 dB peak‐average‐power ratio (PAPR) at 35.5 dBm average power. Additional 20 dB of linearity improvement was achieved after adding a lineariser.
THz sparse periodic array imaging system using compressed sensing
Authors: Hu Shaoqing , Shu Chao , Alfadhl Yasir , Chen Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

This article studies the compressed sensing (CS) technique applied in the THz linear sparse periodic array (SPA) imaging system, proposing the corresponding image reconstruction model. The THz‐SPA imaging system has been tested in electromagnetic (EM) simulation, and then experimentally verified by using a simplified set‐up that only uses one transmitting channel and one receiving channel. The reconstructed images based on both simulation and experimental data have demonstrated the feasibility of CS reconstruction for reducing sampling data but maintaining comparable image quality as the traditional generalised synthetic aperture focusing technique.
Escapees from the bar resonances
Authors: Khoperskov S. , Di Matteo P. , Haywood M. , Gómez A. , Snaith O. N.
Published: May 2020

Understanding radial migration is a crucial point for building relevant chemical and dynamical evolution models of the Milky Way disk. In this paper we analyze a high-resolution N-body simulation of a Milky Way-type galaxy to study the role that the slowing down of a stellar bar has in generating migration from the inner to the outer disk. Stellar particles are trapped by the main resonances (corotation and outer Lindblad resonance, OLR) which then propagate outward across the disk due to the bar slowing down. Once the bar strength reaches its maximum amplitude, some of the stars delivered to the outer disk escape the resonances and some of them settle on nearly circular orbits. The number of escaped stars gradually increases, also due to the decrease in the bar strength when the boxy/peanut bulge forms. We show that this mechanism is not limited to stars on nearly circular orbits; stars initially on more eccentric orbits can also be transferred outward (out to the OLR location) and can end up on nearly circular orbits. Therefore, the propagation of the bar resonances outward can induce the circularization of the orbits of some of the migrating stars. The mechanism investigated in this paper can explain the presence of metal-rich stars at the solar vicinity and more generally in the outer Galactic disk. Our dynamical model predicts that up to 3% of stars between corotation and the OLR can be formed in the innermost region of the Milky Way. The epoch of the Milky Way bar formation can be potentially constrained by analyzing the age distribution of the most metal-rich stars at the solar vicinity.
Non-thermal line broadening due to braiding-induced turbulence in solar coronal loops
Authors: Pontin D. I. , Peter H. , Chitta L. P.
Published: May 2020

Aims.Emission line profiles from solar coronal loops exhibit properties that are unexplained by current models. We investigate the non-thermal broadening associated with plasma heating in coronal loops that is induced by magnetic field line braiding.

Methods.We describe the coronal loop by a 3D magnetohydrodynamic model of the turbulent decay of an initially-braided magnetic field. From this, we synthesised the Fe XIIline at 193 Å that forms around 1.5 MK.

Results.The key features of current observations of extreme ultraviolet (UV) lines from the corona are reproduced in the synthesised spectra: (i) Typical non-thermal widths range from 15 to 20 km s−1. (ii) The widths are approximately independent of the size of the field of view. (iii) There is a correlation between the line intensity and non-thermal broadening. (iv) Spectra are found to be non-Gaussian, with enhanced power in the wings of the order of 10–20%.

Conclusions.Our model provides an explanation that self-consistently connects the heating process to the observed non-thermal line broadening. The non-Gaussian nature of the spectra is a consequence of the non-Gaussian nature of the underlying velocity fluctuations, which is interpreted as a signature of intermittency in the turbulence.
Short-period effects of the planetary perturbations on the Sun–Earth Lagrangian point L3
Authors: Scantamburlo E. , Guzzo M.
Published: May 2020

Context. The Lagrangian point L3 of the Sun–Earth system, and its Lyapunov orbits, have been proposed to perform station-keeping, although L3 is only rigorously defined for the extremely simplified model represented by the reduced Sun–Earth–spacecraft system. As in L3 the planetary perturbations (mainly from Jupiter and Venus) are stronger than Earth’s attraction, it is necessary to understand whether or not the dynamics close to L3 persist under such a strong perturbation, allowing for a definition of dynamical substitutes for models that are more realistic than the circular restricted three-body problem.

Aims. In this paper we address the problem of the existence of motions that remain close to L3 for a time-span which is relevant for space missions in a model of the Solar System compatible with the precision of JPL digital ephemerides.

Methods. First, we computed analytically the main short-period effects of planetary perturbations in a simplified model of the Solar System with the orbits of all the planets co-planar and circular. We then applied the Fast Lyapunov Indicator method in order to find dynamical substitutes that exist for time-spans of hundreds of years in the model of the Solar System that is used to produce the modern ephemerides.

Results. We find that the original system is conjugate by a canonical transformation to an averaged system that has an equilibrium close to L3: even if Venus and Jupiter each move the position of this equilibrium by about 218 and 176 km, respectively, in opposite directions, in the model where both the planets are included, their effects almost perfectly compensate for one another, leaving a displacement of about 40 km only. This equilibrium is then mapped in the original system to a quasi-periodic dynamical substitute; the contributions of each planet to the amplitude of this quasi-periodic libration around L3 do not compensate for one another, and sum to about 10 000 km. The Fast Lyapunov Indicator method allowed us to find orbits of any amplitude bigger than this one (up to 0.03 AU) for time-spans of hundreds of years in the model of the Solar System that is used to produce the modern ephemerides.

Conclusions. Using a combination of the Hamiltonian averaging method with a new implementation of the Fast Lyapunov Indicator method we find orbits useful for astrodynamics originating at the Sun–Earth Lagrangian point L3 for a realistic model of the Solar System. In particular, this usage of the chaos indicator provides an innovative application of dynamical systems theory to astrodynamics, where the short-period perturbations represent a relevant part of the model.
Vector speckle grid: instantaneous incoherent speckle grid for high-precision astrometry and photometry in high-contrast imaging
Authors: Bos S. P.
Published: May 2020

Context. Photometric and astrometric monitoring of directly imaged exoplanets will deliver unique insights into their rotational periods, the distribution of cloud structures, weather, and orbital parameters. As the host star is occulted by the coronagraph, a speckle grid (SG) is introduced to serve as astrometric and photometric reference. Speckle grids are implemented as diffractive pupil-plane optics that generate artificial speckles at known location and brightness. Their performance is limited by the underlying speckle halo caused by evolving uncorrected wavefront errors. The speckle halo will interfere with the coherent SGs, affecting their photometric and astrometric precision.

Aims. Our aim is to show that by imposing opposite amplitude or phase modulation on the opposite polarization states, a SG can be instantaneously incoherent with the underlying halo, greatly increasing the precision. We refer to these as vector speckle grids (VSGs).

Methods. We derive analytically the mechanism by which the incoherency arises and explore the performance gain in idealised simulations under various atmospheric conditions.

Results. We show that the VSG is completely incoherent for unpolarized light and that the fundamental limiting factor is the cross-talk between the speckles in the grid. In simulation, we find that for short-exposure images the VSG reaches a ∼0.3–0.8% photometric error and ∼3−10 × 10−3λ/D astrometric error, which is a performance increase of a factor ∼20 and ∼5, respectively. Furthermore, we outline how VSGs could be implemented using liquid-crystal technology to impose the geometric phase on the circular polarization states.

Conclusions. The VSG is a promising new method for generating a photometric and astrometric reference SG that has a greatly increased astrometric and photometric precision.
Drifting inwards in protoplanetary discs I Sticking of chondritic dust at increasing temperatures
Authors: Bogdan T. , Pillich C. , Landers J. , Wende H. , Wurm G.
Published: May 2020

Sticking properties rule the early phases of pebble growth in protoplanetary discs in which grains regularly travel from cold, water-rich regions to the warm inner part. This drift affects composition, grain size, morphology, and water content as grains experience ever higher temperatures. In this study we tempered chondritic dust under vacuum up to 1400 K. Afterwards, we measured the splitting tensile strength of millimetre-sized dust aggregates. The deduced effective surface energy starts out asγe= 0.07 J m−2. This value is dominated by abundant iron-oxides as measured by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Up to 1250 K,γecontinuously decreases by up to a factor five. Olivines dominate at higher temperature. Beyond 1300 K dust grains significantly grow in size. Theγeno longer decreases but the large grain size restricts the capability of growing aggregates. Beyond 1400 K aggregation is no longer possible. Overall, under the conditions probed, the stability of dust pebbles would decrease towards the star. In view of a minimum aggregate size required to trigger drag instabilities it becomes increasingly harder to seed planetesimal formation closer to a star.
Leitlinie Karpaltunnelsyndrom
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: May 2020

Erickson M, Lawrence M, Jansen CWS et al. Hand Pain and Sensory Deficits: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019; 49: CPG1–CPG85. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0301
INCREASED VANCOMYCIN MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (MIC) AMONG MRSA ISOLATES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: B. Asha Pai K. , N. Sweetha N. , H. Sanjeev , R. Rekha , K. Vimal K. , R. Ganesh H.
Published: May 2020

Introduction:Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not only an important nosocomial pathogen but also an incipient community pathogen in many geographical areas. Recommended therapeutic agent for treatment of MRSA infections are glycopeptides, in particular vancomycin. The distribution of vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values among MRSA isolates in our hospital is unknown. We conducted this study to Determine the distribution of vancomycin MIC values among MRSA isolates from clinical samples in our hospital.

Material and Methods:Fifty six MRSA isolates were included in the study. These isolates were obtained from different clinical samples received in the department of Microbiology over a period of six months from august 2012 to January 2013. Screening for MRSA was done by disc diffusion method using Cefoxitin disc. Determination of vancomycin MIC of all the isolates was done by macro broth dilution method.

Results:All 56 isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Out of the 56 isolates tested, 25 (44.64%) and 12 (21.4%) had Vancomycin MIC of 1μg/ml and 2 μg/ml respectively.

Conclusion:The high vancomycin MIC values observed among our strains are a cause of concern, as this may have an impact on the success of treatment with vancomycin.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TWIN THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES ON PAIN AND ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY
Authors: C. Ramesh , Priya Gayathri , K. Jyothi , L. Eilean Victoria
Published: May 2020

The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of twin therapeutic approaches on pain and anxiety among patients following cardiac surgery. An evaluative approach with quasi experimental design was used for the study. 40 samples were selected by non probability convenience sampling technique. Intervention of Naadichudhi Pranayams and Instrumental music was given as twin therapeutic approaches for the samples in the study group. The present study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai, India. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A significant difference was found between pre test and post test in level of pain and anxiety (P<0.001). The study findings showed that the twin therapeutic approaches were very effective in reducing the pain and anxiety. There was no association found between level of pain and anxiety with demographic variables.
Update in Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Authors: Beres Shannon J.
Published: May 2020

Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is a rare condition in children presenting with headache and papilledema from increased intracranial pressure that can cause significant morbidity. This can be idiopathic, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension or primary intracranial hypertension, or can be secondary to medications and associated medical conditions. Given the threat to vision, early detection and treatment is needed in all age groups. However, identifying papilledema or pseudopapilledema in children presents unique challenges sometimes as a result of differences between prepubertal and postpubertal children, further elucidating the complex pathophysiology. Management requires brain imaging, lumbar puncture, and frequent eye exams with medical and rarely surgical treatment. Visual outcomes in children are favorable if caught early and management can be prolonged over years. Pediatric PTCS is different from adult PTCS in many ways, and this review will focus on the most updated definitions of the disease, theories of pathophysiology, management, and treatment in the pediatric population.
Treatment of Congenital Microgastria
Authors: Ruczynski Larissa I. A. , Botden Sanne M. B. I. , Daniels-Scharbatke Horst E. , Schurink Maarten , de Blaauw Ivo
Published: May 2020

Introduction Congenital microgastria is an extremely rare birth defect. The aim of this study was to present an overview of existing literature on the treatment of microgastria.

Materials and Methods The term “microgastria” was used in a PubMed and Medline search. Since merely case reports were found, only a narrative synthesis with limited statistical analysis can be given. Data of different treatment modalities were collected and divided into two groups: conservative or less invasive treatment (C/LT, i.e., modified diet or a gastrostomy/jejunostomy) and extensive gastric surgery (EGS, i.e., Hunt–Lawrence pouch or total esophageal gastric dissociation). Clinical outcome parameters (nutrition, growth pattern, and mortality) were compared.

Results Out of 73 articles published from 1973 to 2019, 38 articles describing 51 cases were included. In four patients, microgastria was an isolated anomaly (8%). Type of treatment was described in only 46 patients, 19 were treated by C/LT. Mortality was 9/19 (47%) in the C/LT group versus 4/27 (15%) in the EGS group (chi-square = 5.829, p = 0.016, Fisher = 0.022). There was a negative correlation between the invasiveness of the treatment and both mortality (r = −0.356, p = 0.015) and comorbidity (r = −0.506, p <0.001). Patients in the C/LT group had significantly more comorbidity than in the EGS group (mean = 4.32 vs. 2.26, p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between comorbidity and mortality (r = 0.400, p = 0.006). Median follow-up was 42 months (range: 1–240). Type and way of nutrition were poorly described. In at least 9 of the 33 surviving patients, oral feeding was reported as normal, of whom 8 belonged to the EGS group. In all patients, growth could be acknowledged, but in comparison to peers, final body length was less. There was no difference in final body length between the two treatment groups.

Conclusion In patients with congenital microgastria, only minimal differences in clinical outcome in terms of type of nutrition and body growth were found when C/LT was compared with treatment by EGS. Mortality was significantly higher in the first group as well as the amount of comorbidities.
Epidemiology of COVID-19
Authors: Dhar Chowdhury Sudipta , Oommen Anu Mary
Published: May 2020

COVID-19, an infectious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome–corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has now spread to multiple countries including India. The pace at which the disease spread in the last 4 months, since it was first recognized from China, is unprecedented. This review of the epidemiology of COVID-19 summarizes the burden of infection, transmission dynamics, and other related epidemiological features. While countries such as China, Italy, and the United States have particularly high-rates of infection, the disease is gradually spreading in India as well, threatening the health and economy of the country. Transmission in asymptomatic cases, early symptomatic phase, as well as limited access to testing in different settings are factors that have led to the rapid spread of infection. A large case series from China revealed that 81% of cases had mild symptoms, 14% had severe disease, and 5% were afflicted with critical illness. While the mortality in China was reported as 2.3%, Italy, with a high-proportion of elderly, reported a case fatality report of 7.2% due to higher infection and mortality rates among the elderly. Being a highly infectious disease, with a basic reproduction number between 2 to 3, COVID-19 is affecting a large number of healthcare workers, as evidenced by the fact that a sizeable portion of reported infections in the US included healthcare workers. Delivering health care for both COVID-19 affected individuals, as well those with other acute and chronic conditions, with limited access to healthcare facilities and services, are challenges for the health systems in low- and middle-income countries, which require immediate measures for health system strengthening across sectors.