bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated caudate connectivity in cognitively normal Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Wright Natalie , Alhindi Abrar , Millikin Colleen , Modirrousta Mandana , Udow Sean , Borys Andrew , Anang Julius , Hobson Douglas E. , Ko Ji Hyun
Published: October 2020

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in Parkinson’s disease patients. However, its underlying mechanism is not well understood, which has hindered new treatment discoveries specific to MCI. The aim of this study was to investigate functional connectivity changes of the caudate nucleus in cognitively impaired Parkinson’s patients. We recruited 18 Parkinson’s disease patients—10 PDNC [normal cognition Parkinson’s disease; Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) ≥ 26], 8 PDLC (low cognition Parkinson’s disease; MoCA < 26) —and 10 age-matched healthy controls. All subjects were scanned with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perfusion MRI. We analyzed these data for graph theory metrics and Alzheimer’s disease-like pattern score, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between the functional connectivity of the right caudate nucleus and MoCA scores in Parkinson’s patient groups, but not in healthy control subjects. Interestingly, PDNC’s functional connectivity of the right caudate was significantly higher than both PDLC and healthy controls, while PDLC and healthy controls were not significantly different from each other. We found that Alzheimer’s disease-like metabolic/perfusion pattern score correlated with MoCA scores in healthy controls, but not in Parkinson’s disease. Increased caudate connectivity may be related to a compensatory mechanism found in cognitively normal patients with Parkinson’s disease. Our findings support and complement the dual syndrome hypothesis.
Lifecycle of light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere
Authors: Liu Dantong , He Cenlin , Schwarz Joshua P. , Wang Xuan
Published: October 2020

Light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols (LACs), including black carbon and light-absorbing organic carbon (brown carbon, BrC), have an important role in the Earth system via heating the atmosphere, dimming the surface, modifying the dynamics, reducing snow/ice albedo, and exerting positive radiative forcing. The lifecycle of LACs, from emission to atmospheric evolution further to deposition, is key to their overall climate impacts and uncertainties in determining their hygroscopic and optical properties, atmospheric burden, interactions with clouds, and deposition on the snowpack. At present, direct observations constraining some key processes during the lifecycle of LACs (e.g., interactions between LACs and hydrometeors) are rather limited. Large inconsistencies between directly measured LAC properties and those used for model evaluations also exist. Modern models are starting to incorporate detailed aerosol microphysics to evaluate transformation rates of water solubility, chemical composition, optical properties, and phases of LACs, which have shown improved model performance. However, process-level understanding and modeling are still poor particularly for BrC, and yet to be sufficiently assessed due to lack of global-scale direct measurements. Appropriate treatments of size- and composition-resolved processes that influence both LAC microphysics and aerosol–cloud interactions are expected to advance the quantification of aerosol light absorption and climate impacts in the Earth system. This review summarizes recent advances and up-to-date knowledge on key processes during the lifecycle of LACs, highlighting the essential issues where measurements and modeling need improvement.
Antioxidant lipoic acid ligand-shell gold nanoconjugates against oxidative stress caused by α-synuclein aggregates
Authors: Piersimoni Maria Elena , Teng Xiangyu , Cass Anthony E. G. , Ying Liming
Published: October 2020

Lipoic acid–gold nanoconjugates (GNPs–LA) decrease GNPs–α-synuclein-induced oxidative stress on living cells, making them a promising antioxidant system for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
The influences of the structure of thiophene-based conjugated microporous polymers on the fluorescence sensing properties
Authors: Geng Tong-Mou , Hu Chen , Liu Min , Zhang Can , Xu Heng , Wang Xie
Published: October 2020

Three thiophene-based conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs: TTPTh, DBTh, and TBTh) were prepared by Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling polymerization, and their structures were characterized by FTIR, ss 13C NMR, and elemental analyses.
Electrocatalytic behavior of a heterostructured nanocomposite sensor for aminotriazole
Authors: Malode Shweta J. , Keerthi Prabhu K. , Shetti Nagaraj P.
Published: October 2020

Heterostructured nano-composite sensor for aminotriazole.
Strong electron acceptor additive based spiro-OMeTAD for high-performance and hysteresis-less planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Shibo , Sun Weihai , Zhang Mingjing , Yan Huiying , Hua Guoxin , Li Zhao , He Ruowei , Zeng Weidong , Lan Zhang , Wu Jihuai
Published: October 2020

A perovskite solar cell with DDQ doped spiro-OMeTAD HTL delivers a champion power conversion efficiency of 21.16%.
Electronucleation mechanism of copper in wastewater by controlled electrodeposition analysis
Authors: Diao Shuzhi , Wang Yiyong , Jin Hui
Published: October 2020

To improve the efficiency of copper deposition in wastewater containing polyvinylpyrrolidone surfactant and reveal the mechanism of copper crystals, a controlled electrodeposition process was developed using a low-cost stainless steel cathode and electrochemical methods.
Synthesis of S-doped AuPbPt alloy nanowire-networks as superior catalysts towards the ORR and HER
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Shibin , Wu Chenshuo , Li Hong , Cao Yi , Li Shenggang , Xia Haibing
Published: October 2020

An appropriate amount of PtS in S-doped AuPbPt alloy nanowire-networks is conducive to their superior electrocatalytic performance.
One-step electrodeposited MoS2@Ni-mesh electrode for flexible and transparent asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Soram Bobby Singh , Dai Jiu Yi , Thangjam Ibomcha Singh , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: October 2020

One-step electrodeposited MoS2@Ni-mesh as a high-performance negative electrode; a high energy density flexible and transparent asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated.
A two-dimensional conductive Mo-based covalent organic framework as an efficient electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhao Ying-Nan , Zhu Chang-Yan , Zhang Min , Geng Yun , Li Yang-Guang , Su Zhong-Min
Published: October 2020

A two-dimensional conductive Mo-COF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for N2 reduction to NH3 with an extremely low overpotential (0.16 V), effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction.
A crystalline–amorphous Ni–Ni(OH)2 core–shell catalyst for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Hu Jing , Li Siwei , Li Yuzhi , Wang Jing , Du Yunchen , Li Zhonghua , Han Xijiang , Sun Jianmin , Xu Ping
Published: October 2020

Crystalline–amorphous Ni–Ni(OH)2 core–shell assembled nanosheets exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution under alkaline conditions.
A rare complication of ERCP: duodenal perforation due to biliary stent migration
Authors: Gromski Mark A. , Bick Benjamin L. , Vega David , Easler Jeffrey J. , Watkins James L. , Sherman Stuart , Lehman Glen A. , Fogel Evan L.
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Perforation of the duodenal wall opposing the major papilla due to a migrated pancreatobiliary stent rarely has been described in the literature as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Factors associated with perforation from migrated stents from ERCP are unknown.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective, observational study. Patients were identified from January 1, 1994 to May 31, 2019 in a prospectively maintained ERCP database.

Results Eleven cases of duodenal perforation from migrated pancreatobiliary stents placed at ERCP were identified during the study period. All cases involved biliary stents, placed for biliary stricture management. The perforating stent was plastic in 10 cases (91 %). This complication occurred in one in 2,293 ERCP procedures in which a pancreatobiliary stent was placed.

Conclusion This complication is more common with biliary stents compared to pancreatic stents. This may be related to the angle of exit of biliary stents being more perpendicular to the opposing duodenal wall and the near exclusive use of external pigtail plastic stents in the pancreatic duct. All perforating plastic stents were ≥ 9 cm in length. Longer stents may provide leverage for perforation with a migration event.
Der Basophilen-Aktivierungstest – Ersetzt er die orale Provokation?
Authors: Remmler Johannes , Isermann Berend , Kaiser Thorsten
Published: October 2020

Der Basophilen-Aktivierungstest ermöglicht es, in vitro die Reaktion der basophilen Granulozyten auf ein spezifisches Allergen zu untersuchen. In Ergänzung zur Anamnese, Pricktest und Nachweis von spezifischem IgE kann ein Basophilen-Aktivierungstest zusätzlichen diagnostischen Wert haben. Dieses ist der Fall, wenn eine Provokationstestung aufgrund einer hohen Anaphylaxie-Gefahr vermieden werden sollte und ein entsprechender spezifischer IgE-Antikörpertest nicht verfügbar ist. Vielversprechende Ergebnisse konnten bereits für einige Formen der Nahrungsmittelallergie gezeigt werden. Aktuell stehen einer breiten Anwendbarkeit des Basophilen-Aktivierungstests insbesondere die fehlende Standardisierung, die vielfältigen Einflussfaktoren auf das Testergebnis sowie ein relevanter Anteil von falsch-negativen Ergebnissen durch Nonrespondern entgegen. Zukünftige Forschung und Teststandardisierung können dazu beitragen, den diagnostischen Herausforderungen gerecht zu werden.
Diagnostische Verfahren im Setting Schule
Authors: Greier Klaus , Bös Klaus
Published: October 2020

Sportmotorische Tests zählen zu den häufigsten diagnostischen Verfahren im Sportunterricht. Sie ermöglichen nicht nur eine Momentaufnahme der motorischen Fitness, sondern bieten auch die Möglichkeit, Leistungsentwicklungen von Schüler*innen aufzuzeigen. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die aktuelle Situation in Deutschland und Österreich. Dabei werden Probleme wie etwa der Einsatz uneinheitlicher Testverfahren und der unterschiedliche Kenntnisstand über sportmotorische Tests aufgezeigt. Als Möglichkeit für einen grenzüberschreitenden, einheitlichen Einsatz wird hierbei exemplarisch der Deutsche Motorik Test (DMT 6-18) als leicht durchführbares diagnostisches Verfahren vorgestellt.
Stellungnahme der Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie bezüglich der Verwendung von Biosimilars
Authors: Urban Andreas C. , Keller Thomas , Haas Johannes-Peter
Published: October 2020

Die rheumatologische Erkrankungssituation von Kindern und Jugendlichen ließ sich früher über die konventionellen Therapieverfahren zwar sehr positiv verbessern, jedoch erweiterte die Zulassung der Biologika für den pädiatrischen Rheumabereich die Möglichkeit zur Krankheitskontrolle und Verbesserung der Lebensqualität erheblich. Mit Ablauf des Patentschutzes der ursprünglich zugelassenen Biologika (Originatoren) ist es nun möglich, fast identische Medikamente mit gleichem Wirkprinzip zuzulassen (Biosimilars). Da Biosimilars ein deutliches monetäres Einsparpotenzial mit sich bringen, wird diskutiert, vorrangig Biosimilars an Stelle von Originatoren einzusetzen. Die aktuelle Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie soll eine Hilfestellung für die kindlichen und jugendlichen Patienten/innen wie auch für die Ärzte/innen im Umgang mit den Biosimilars sein. Die bisherigen Erfahrungen zeigen, dass mit der Einführung von Biosimilars kein Wirkverlust gegenüber den Originatoren verbunden ist.
Rauchen im Jugendalter in England und Deutschland, 2001 – 2016
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara , Goecke Michaela , Morgenstern Matthias
Published: October 2020

Ziel Deskription des Rauchverhaltens Jugendlicher aus England und Deutschland über einen Beobachtungszeitraum von 15 Jahren.

Methode 11 wiederholte Querschnittserhebungen mit insgesamt 107 485 Personen im Alter von 11 bis 15 Jahren wurden zwischen 2001 und 2016 in England und Deutschland durchgeführt. Erfasst wurde a) der relative Anteil Jugendlicher, die jemals in ihrem Leben ein konventionelles Tabakprodukt geraucht hatten, und b) der relative Anteil aktuell rauchender Jugendlicher, d. h. Jugendliche, die „gelegentlich“ bzw. „ständig“ oder „regelmäßig“ rauchten.

Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich im Beobachtungszeitraum eine signifikant stärkere Reduktion des Anteils Jugendlicher mit Raucherfahrung in Deutschland (von 52 % auf 10 %) im Vergleich zu England (von 44 % auf 19 %). Der Anteil aktuell rauchender Jugendlicher fiel im Beobachtungszeitraum in Deutschland um 16 Prozentpunkte auf 3 % und in England um 12 Prozentpunkte auf 7 % (kein signifikanter Unterschied).

Schlussfolgerungen Die Daten liefern einen Hinweis auf einen stärkeren Trend zum Nie-Rauchen in Deutschland im Vergleich zu England und auf einen vergleichbaren Trend zum selteneren aktuellen Rauchen in den beiden Ländern. Kausale Schlussfolgerungen sind aufgrund der Studienanlage nicht möglich.
Fine-Bubble–Slug-Flow Hydrogenation of Multiple Bonds and Phenols
Authors: Mase Nobuyuki , Iio Takuya , Nagai Kohei , Kozuka Tomoki , Sammi Akhtar Mst , Sato Kohei , Narumi Tetsuo
Published: October 2020

We describe a promising method for the continuous hydrogenation of alkenes or alkynes by using a newly developed fine-bubble generator. The fine-bubble-containing slug-flow system was up to 1.4 times more efficient than a conventional slug-flow method. When applied in the hydrogenation of phenols to the corresponding cyclohexanones, the fine bubble–slug-flow method suppressed over-reduction. As this method does not require the use of excess gas, it is expected to be widely applicable in improving the efficiency of gas-mediated flow reactions.
Real 3D Visualization of the Circumflex Artery Surrounding the Mitral Annulus
Authors: Fábián Bálint , Osadczuk András , Bárány László , Baksa Gábor , Rácz Gergely , Ruttkay Tamás
Published: October 2020

Background The circumflex coronary artery is located close to the mitral annulus. Consequently, it is not immune to iatrogenic damage during mitral valve procedures. Our objective was to visualize the circumflex artery from a surgeon's point of view, emphasizing its proximity. Furthermore, comparing it to coronary angiograms might support preoperative planning.

Methods Ten adult human hearts preserved in 4% formaldehyde solution were investigated (left coronary artery injected with contrast agent). After performing coronary angiographies from LAO (left anterior oblique) 40/cranial 20, RAO (right anterior oblique) 10/cranial 40, and true lateral projections, anatomical preparations were performed. Images were captured throughout the full course of the circumflex coronary artery from multiple angles. Finally, the mean distances were measured in every 5 mm between the investigated artery and the annulus of the mitral valve.

Results Three-dimensional model of the circumflex coronary artery and its surroundings was successfully achieved from a left atrial surgical viewpoint. The main branches were identified on the coronary angiograms. The closest distance was measured under the region of the left auricle (2.02 ± 0.69 mm; 1–3.1 mm). Afterward, the circumflex artery was observed to make a loop away from the annular region.

Conclusion Our observations show correlation with previous anatomical studies and case reports addressing iatrogenic lesions on the circumflex coronary artery. Based on all these, we could determine a “danger zone” on the vessel. The simultaneous evaluation of the anatomical preparations and the angiograms might improve the acknowledgment of this vulnerable region serving to avoid any damage to the coronary artery.
Clinicopathological Profile of Patients with Lung Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: M.T Chandramouli , Hosmane Giridhar Belur
Published: October 2020

Introduction Among malignant diseases, lung carcinoma is the most common cancer in men worldwide in terms of both incidence and mortality. Its increasing incidence in developing countries like India is an important public health problem. This work aimed to study the demographic, clinical, radiological, and histological features of patients with confirmed lung cancer.

Materials and Methods A total of 50 patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer at a tertiary care center in India from August 2016 to September 2018 were studied and analyzed.

Results Out of 50 diagnosed lung cancer patients, 86% were men and 14% women; 31 (62%) patients were aged more than 60 years. Majority were smokers (84%) and all were men. Cough (94%) was the most common presenting symptom followed by dyspnea (68%), chest pain (48%), and hemoptysis (38%). Of the 50 patients, 29 (58%) had soft tissue density mass lesion on radiograph. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the diagnosed histological cell type in 24 (48%) patients and adenocarcinoma in 21 (42%) patients. Distant metastasis was observed in 20 (40%) patients.

Conclusion In this study, the most common histopathological cell type is SCC. Patients aged more than 50 years and smokers are at high risk of lung cancer. Patients with a smoking history and persistent respiratory symptoms should be promptly evaluated for lung malignancy.
Melting of different types of 2D electron clusters
Authors: Syvokon V. E.
Published: October 2020

The molecular dynamics method is used to study the melting of two-dimensional clusters that can form in electronic systems above the surface of superfluid helium with the help of triangular, square, hexagonal and round holding electrodes. Clusters with a fixed surface density of 108 cm−2, but different numbers of particles (from 3 to 406), are considered. It is shown that in defect-free clusters, the transition to a disordered state occurs abruptly and the melting point, Тmelt, is easy to determine. The dependence of Тmelt on the cluster size is observed for clusters with N < 400 particles. In square clusters with N < 50, the ordering of particles is imposed by the boundary conditions, whereas for N > 100, a triangular lattice with defects near the boundary is observed. In round clusters, electrons begin to move easily in the angular direction at rather low temperatures, but the “radial melting” temperature is consistent with the melting point of small square clusters. In the presence of defects, the transition to a disordered state begins from the defect region and gradually spreads to the entire cluster. There is no clear definition of the melting point in this scenario.
Dynamics of magnetic flux penetration into superconductor with power-law current–voltage characteristics
Authors: Taylanov N. A. , Hamdamov B. I.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the penetration of a magnetic field into a high-temperature type-II superconductor that is in a viscous flow regime and in an external magnetic field. Analytical formulas are obtained for the depth and rate of the magnetic field penetration into the superconductor as a function of the problem parameters, particularly the exponent n that characterizes the rate of vortex penetration into the superconducting half-space.
The phase transition in magnetic superlattice Ising nanotubes: molecular field theory approximation
Authors: Tanriverdiyev V. A. , Tagiyev V. S. , Kerimova G. G. , Ibrahimov I. N.
Published: October 2020

The molecular phase theory approximation is used to calculate the phase diagrams of a hexagonal cylindrical magnetic superlattice nanotube, with alternating atomic layers consisting of two distinct materials. Cases in which these materials are both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic are considered. The transition temperature Tc for the system under investigation is calculated by the transfer-matrix method, as a function of the intra- and interlayer exchange constants. The results for various ferromagnetic superlattice nanotubes consisting of different numbers of layers in a magnetic unit cell are presented, to establish the effect that surface and intralayer exchange constants have on the phase transition temperature.
PSpice modeling of the pulsed electroacoustic method for dispersive polymer sample application
Authors: Pujol Aurélien , Berquez Laurent , Baudoin Fulbert , Payan Denis
Published: October 2020

In space applications, space charge inside dielectric materials can lead to unwanted phenomena such as breakdown and electrostatic discharge. To prevent such incidents, the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) device is employed to measure the space charge of dielectric samples. Unfortunately, most of the current PEA signal processing methods are inaccurate in studying the dielectric materials that attenuate and disperse the acoustic wave, as well as studying multi-layer or thin samples. A model under the PSpice software is developed in this work with the aim of improving the PEA signal processing. This model is an evolution of previous works, including the attenuation and dispersion of a polymer sample using the nearly local Kramers–Kronig relation. This model of the polymer sample is implemented into PSpice as a frequency dependent transmission line using Branin’s method of characteristics model. A comparison of a model simulation and an experimental PEA signal obtained from a PTFE sample is presented.
Dislocations in chemical vapor deposition diamond layer detected by confocal Raman imaging
Authors: Ichikawa K. , Shimaoka T. , Kato Y. , Koizumi S. , Teraji T.
Published: October 2020

Dislocations in a homoepitaxial diamond film grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were characterized by confocal Raman imaging. The diamond film was grown on a high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) substrate using an oxygen-adding condition to minimize dislocation formation during diamond growth. The dislocation densities in the CVD thin film and substrate were found to be 3 × 104 and 2 × 104 cm−2, respectively, from large-area Raman imaging. The spatial variation of stress around dislocations in CVD diamond was analyzed three-dimensionally using in-plane images of peak positions of diamond first-order lines taken at different depths from the diamond film surface. The variational directions of the stresses depended on the types of dislocation: ⟨110⟩ variational direction corresponds to edge [001] dislocation, whereas the ⟨100⟩ variational direction corresponds to 45° mixed [001] dislocation. Most dislocations passed through the CVD thin film from the substrate. Some dislocations were newly generated at the CVD layer–substrate interface. The dislocations in CVD diamond propagate along the [001] direction of diamond crystal with the same Burgers vector in the HPHT substrate.
Interfacial spin–orbit torques
Authors: Amin V. P. , Haney P. M. , Stiles M. D.
Published: October 2020

Spin–orbit torques offer a promising mechanism for electrically controlling magnetization dynamics in nanoscale heterostructures. While spin–orbit torques occur predominately at interfaces, the physical mechanisms underlying these torques can originate in both the bulk layers and at interfaces. Classifying spin–orbit torques based on the region that they originate in provides clues as to how to optimize the effect. While most bulk spin–orbit torque contributions are well studied, many of the interfacial contributions allowed by symmetry have yet to be fully explored theoretically and experimentally. To facilitate progress, we review interfacial spin–orbit torques from a semiclassical viewpoint and relate these contributions to recent experimental results. Within the same model, we show the relationship between different interface transport parameters. For charges and spins flowing perpendicular to the interface, interfacial spin–orbit coupling both modifies the mixing conductance of the magnetoelectronic circuit theory and gives rise to spin memory loss. For in-plane electric fields, interfacial spin–orbit coupling gives rise to torques described by spin–orbit filtering, spin swapping, and precession. In addition, these same interfacial processes generate spin currents that flow into the non-magnetic layer. For in-plane electric fields in trilayer structures, the spin currents generated at the interface between one ferromagnetic layer and the non-magnetic spacer layer can propagate through the non-magnetic layer to produce novel torques on the other ferromagnetic layer.
A model problem for quasinormal ringdown of asymptotically flat or extremal black holes
Authors: Gajic Dejan , Warnick Claude
Published: October 2020

We consider a wave equation with a potential on the half-line as a model problem for wave propagation close to an extremal horizon or the asymptotically flat end of a black hole spacetime. We propose a definition of quasinormal frequencies (QNFs) as eigenvalues of the generator of time translations for a null foliation, acting on an appropriate (Gevrey based) Hilbert space. We show that this QNF spectrum is discrete in a subset of C, which includes the region {Rs>−b,Is>K} for any b > 0 and some K = K(b) ≫ 1. As a corollary, we establish the meromorphicity of the scattering resolvent in a sector args<φ0 for some φ0>2π3 and show that the poles occur only at quasinormal frequencies according to our definition. Finally, we show that QNFs computed by the continued fraction method of Leaver are necessarily QNFs according to our new definition. A companion to our paper (arXiv:1910.08481), which deals with the QNFs of the wave equation on the extremal Reissner–Nördstrom black hole.
Terahertz radiation processes in critically coupled graphene plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Li Yuyu , Paiella Roberto
Published: October 2020

Plasmonic excitations in graphene nanostructures provide a particularly effective means to enhance light–matter interactions at THz frequencies. Here, we investigate the use of graphene nanoribbons for narrowband THz light emission based on the excitation of plasmonic oscillations under current injection and their resonant decay into free-space radiation. A detailed theoretical model of the underlying plasmon-enhanced thermal emission mechanism is presented, whose predictions are in good agreement with the recent experimental demonstration of this phenomenon. This model highlights the key role played by the nanostructure absorption efficiency to maximize the output radiation at the plasmonic resonance frequency. Based on this idea, we explore the integration of graphene nanoribbons with nearby metallic antennas in an open cavity configuration in order to promote critical coupling to free-space radiation and correspondingly enhance the absorption (and, therefore, radiation) efficiency by up to two orders of magnitude. The simulation results indicate that this approach is promising for the development of novel THz sources with technologically relevant emission characteristics.
Monetising the savings of remotely sensed data and information in Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) wildfire assessment
Authors: Bernknopf Richard , Kuwayama Yusuke , Gibson Reily , Blakely Jessica , Mabee Bethany , Clifford T. J. , Quayle Brad , Epting Justin , Hardy Terry , Goodrich David
Published: October 2020

We used a value of information approach to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery as part of the Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER), a US federal program that identifies imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property and critical natural or cultural resources. We compared the costs associated with producing a Burn Area Reflectance Classification map and implementing a BAER when imagery from satellites (either Landsat or a commercial satellite) was available to when the response team relied on information collected solely by aerial reconnaissance. The case study included two evaluations with and without Burn Area Reflectance Classification products: (a) savings of up to US$51000 for the Elk Complex wildfire incident request and (b) savings of a multi-incident map production program. Landsat is the most cost-effective way to input burn severity information into the BAER program, with savings of up to US$35 million over a 5-year period.
Optical refractive index sensor designed by using a composite subwavelength grating
Authors: Li Xufeng , Zhao Yali , Zhou Xueying , Peng Wei
Published: October 2020

An optical refractive index (RI) sensor, possessing excellent sensing characteristics in sensitivity, resolution and SNR, is proposed by using a composite subwavelength grating (CSG). The CSG has a sandwich structure: the interlayer is a low-RI grating layer (LRGL), and the two sides are arranged with a high-RI grating layer. The light-coupling condition of the CSG is sensitive to RI changes of the liquid sample. The calculated results indicate that the sensitivity mainly depends on the CSG period, and the resolution and SNR can be improved by regulating the thickness and position of the LRGL. By optimizing these parameters, finally, an averaged sensitivity of ∼273°/RIU and resolution ranging from 0.1° to 0.15° are given by this CSG, and there is a minimal reflectance of ∼1% adjacent to the resonant peak.
Flexible and disposable gold nanoparticles-N-doped carbon-modified electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Patil Aniruddha B , Zheng Chuanbao , Ma Liyun , Wu Ronghui , Mengane Sharwari K , Zhang Yifan , Liu Xiaotian , Meng Zhaohui , Zhang Wenli , Xu Zijie , Chen Caifeng , Huang Jiani , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: October 2020

Catalytic and electrocatalytic applications of supported metal nanoparticles are hindered due to an aggregation of metal nanoparticles and catalytic leaching under harsh operations. Hence, stable and leaching free catalysts with high surface area are extremely desirable but also challenging. Here we report a gold nanoparticles-hosted mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon matrix, which is prepared using bovine serum albumin (BSA) through calcination. BSA plays three roles in this process as a reducing agent, capping agent and carbon precursor, hence the protocol exhibits economic and sustainable. Gold nanoparticles at N-doped BSA carbon (AuNPs@NBSAC)-modified three-electrode strip-based flexible sensor system has been developed, which displayed effective, sensitive and selective for simultaneous detection of uric acid (UA) and dopamine (DA). The AuNPs@NBSAC-modified sensor showed an excellent response toward DA with a linear response throughout the concentration range from 1 to 50 μM and a detection limit of 0.05 μM. It also exhibited an excellent response toward UA, with a wide detection range from 5 to 200 μM as well as a detection limit of 0.1 μM. The findings suggest that the AuNPs@NBSAC nanohybrid reveals promising applications and can be considered as potential electrode materials for development of electrochemical biosensors.
Sinai billiard maps with Ruelle resonances
Authors: Thomine Damien
Published: October 2020

We construct families of two-dimensional Sinai billiards whose transfer operators have Ruelle resonances arbitrarily close to 1. Our method involves taking a large enough cover of an initial billiard table, and relating the transfer operator of the covering table to twisted transfer operators of the initial table. We also study the distribution of these resonances which are close to 1.
Gradient invariance of slow energy descent: spectral renormalization and energy landscape techniques
Authors: Cakir Hayriye Guckir , Promislow Keith
Published: October 2020

For gradient flows of energies, both spectral renormalization (SRN) and energy landscape (EL) techniques have been used to establish slow motion of orbits near low-energy manifold. We show that both methods are applicable to flows induced by families of gradients and compare the scope and specificity of the results. The SRN techniques capture the flow in a thinner neighbourhood of the manifold, affording a leading order representation of the slow flow via as projection of the flow onto the tangent plane of the manifold. The SRN approach requires a spectral gap in the linearization of the full gradient flow about the points on the low-energy manifold. We provide conditions on the choice of gradient under which the spectral gap is preserved, and show that up to reparameterization the slow flow is invariant under these choices of gradients. The EL methods estimate the magnitude of the slow flow, but cannot capture its leading order form. However the EL only requires normal coercivity for the second variation of the energy, and does not require spectral conditions on the linearization of the full flow. It thus applies to a much larger class of gradients of a given energy. We develop conditions under which the assumptions of the SRN method imply the applicability of the EL method, and identify a large family of gradients for which the EL methods apply. In particular we apply both approaches to derive the interaction of multi-pulse solutions within the 1 + 1D functionalized Cahn–Hilliard gradient flow, deriving gradient invariance for a class of gradients arising from powers of a homogeneous differential operator.
A comparative study of trabecular bone micro-structural measurements using different CT modalities
Authors: Guha Indranil , Klintström Benjamin , Klintström Eva , Zhang Xiaoliu , Smedby Örjan , Moreno Rodrigo , Saha Punam K
Published: October 2020

Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mineral density and micro-architectural degeneration, significantly enhances fracture-risk. There are several viable methods for trabecular bone micro-imaging, which widely vary in terms of technology, reconstruction principle, spatial resolution, and acquisition time. We have performed an excised cadaveric bone specimen study to evaluate different computed tomography (CT)-imaging modalities for trabecular bone micro-structural analysis. Excised cadaveric bone specimens from the distal radius were scanned using micro-CT and four in vivo CT imaging modalities: high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), dental cone beam CT (CBCT), whole-body multi-row detector CT (MDCT), and extremity CBCT. A new algorithm was developed to optimize soft thresholding parameters for individual in vivo CT modalities for computing quantitative bone volume fraction maps. Finally, agreement of trabecular bone micro-structural measures, derived from different in vivo CT imaging, with reference measures from micro-CT imaging was examined. Observed values of most trabecular measures, including trabecular bone volume, network area, transverse and plate-rod micro-structure, thickness, and spacing, for in vivo CT modalities were higher than their micro-CT-based reference values. In general, HR-pQCT-based trabecular bone measures were closer to their reference values as compared to other in vivo CT modalities. Despite large differences in observed values of measures among modalities, high linear correlation (r ε [0.94 0.99]) was found between micro-CT and in vivo CT-derived measures of trabecular bone volume, transverse and plate micro-structural volume, and network area. All HR-pQCT-derived trabecular measures, except the erosion index, showed high correlation (r ε [0.91 0.99]). The plate-width measure showed a higher correlation (r ε [0.72 0.91]) among in vivo and micro-CT modalities than its counterpart binary plate-rod characterization-based measure erosion index (r ε [0.65 0.81]). Although a strong correlation was observed between micro-structural measures from in vivo and micro-CT imaging, large shifts in their values for in vivo modalities warrant proper scanner calibration prior to adopting in multi-site and longitudinal studies.
Quantitative falls risk assessment in elderly people: results from a clinical study with distance based timed up-and-go test recordings
Authors: Ziegl Andreas , Hayn Dieter , Kastner Peter , Löffler Kerstin , Weidinger Lisa , Brix Bianca , Goswami Nandu , Schreier Günter
Published: October 2020

Objective: A third of people over 65 years experiences at least one fall a year. The Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test is commonly used to assess gait and balance and to evaluate an individual’s risk of falling. Approach: We conducted a clinical study with 46 older participants for evaluating the fall risk assessment capabilities of an ultra-sound based TUG test device. The fall protocols over a period of one year were used to classify participants as fallers and non-fallers. For frailty evaluation, state-of-the-art questionnaires were used. Fall recordings were compared to six TUG test measurements that were recorded in fallers and non-fallers. Main results: TUG test data were available for 39 participants (36 f, age 84.2 ± 8.2, BMI 26.0 ± 5.1). Twenty-three participants did fall at least once within the fall screening period. We fitted two different regression and probability models into a region of interest of the distance over time curve as derived from the TUG device. We found that the coefficient of determination for Gaussian bell-shaped curves (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.71) and linear regression lines (p < 0.02, AUC = 0.74) significantly separated fallers from non-fallers. Subtasks of the TUG test like the sit-up time showed near significance (p < 0.07, AUC = 0.67). Significance: We found that specific features calculated from the TUG distance over time curve were significantly different between fallers and non-fallers in our study population. Automatic recording and analysis of TUG measurements could, therefore, reduce time of measurements and improve precision as compared to other methods currently being used in the assessments of fall risk.
Low-energy collisions between carbon atoms and oxygen molecules in a magnetic trap
Authors: Karpov Michael , Pitzer Martin , Segev Yair , Narevicius Julia , Narevicius Edvardas
Published: October 2020

Trapping of atoms and molecules in electrostatic, magnetic and optical traps has enabled studying atomic and molecular interactions on a timescale of many seconds, allowing observations of ultra-cold collisions and reactions. Here we report the first magnetic deceleration and trapping of neutral carbon atoms in a static magnetic trap. When co-trapping the carbon atoms with oxygen molecules in a superconducting trap, the carbon signal decays in a non-exponential manner, consistent with the decay model describing losses resulting from atom-molecule collisions. Our findings pave the way to studying both elastic and inelastic collisions of species that cannot be laser cooled, and specifically may facilitate the observation of reactions at low temperatures, such as C + O2 → CO + O, which is important in interstellar chemistry.
Effects of a shallow SAS divertor on detachment in KSTAR
Authors: Ra Ookjoo , Kwon Kyu Been , Casali Livia , Guo Houyang , Stangeby Peter C. , Hur Min Sup
Published: October 2020

For long pulse operation of fusion reactors, it is important to reduce sputter-erosion and power loading of the divertor target by means of plasma detachment. It has been reported that the small-angle-slot (SAS) divertor employed by the DIII-D tokamak can initiate detachment at a relatively low upstream plasma density as it can effectively dissipate heat by concentrating neutrals near the target. Motivated by these findings in DIII-D, we investigated the effects of a SAS-like divertor in KSTAR using SOLPS-ITER simulations without drifts. One remarkable feature revealed by our simulation study is that even a very shallow SAS can lead to a considerably lower heat load on the divertor target than the original flat, open divertor of KSTAR. Deuterium neutrals are concentrated along the divertor separatrix line in the shallow SAS, while deuterium density in the open divertor peaks in the far-scrape-off layer. Furthermore it was found that the neutral density and temperature-drop induced by SAS are both fairly incentive to the depth of the slot. The highest heat dissipation was obtained for a SAS depth of 10.3 cm.
Preparation of strontium doped mesoporous ZnO nanoparticles to investigate their dye degradation efficiency
Authors: Kumar Balvinder , Kumar Suresh , Singh Virender , Vohra Anil , Chauhan Nikhil , Goyal Rajesh
Published: October 2020

Mesoporous strontium doped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized as photocatalyst by using zinc nitrate hexahydrate, surfactant P123, strontium nitrate hexahydrate via the hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Photoluminescence (PL), Energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) characterizations are used for the analysis of all the samples. XRD spectra disclose the disparity in the crystal size 14.98 to 22.74 nm. The study of UV spectroscopy revealed the energy bandgap difference between 3.3–2.92 eV. PL spectroscopy shows the effect of doping on the electron-hole recombination rate of the sample. FTIR analysis has utilized to determine the functional groups such as –OH, C=O=C, and –C–O present in the sample. EDX spectra show the elemental compositions of the sample. SEM images show the agglomerated morphology and TEM images show the different shape morphology of the sample. BET analysis shows the occurrence of 39.9 m2 g−1 surface area with mesoporous morphology. The effect of the increasing percentage of strontium on the photocatalytic capability of ZnO is checked against methylene blue and congo red dyes with 75% and 80% degradation.
Association Between Immune Response to Cytomegalovirus and Cognition in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Stebbins Rebecca C , Noppert Grace A , Yang Yang Claire , Dowd Jennifer B , Simanek Amanda , Aiello Allison E
Published: October 2020

Chronic infections and the subsequent immune response have recently been shown to be risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). While some studies have shown an association between cytomegalovirus (CMV), a chronic and highly prevalent infection, and cognition and/or ADRD, these studies have been limited by nonrepresentative and small samples. Using 2016 data on 5,617 adults aged 65 years or more from the Health and Retirement Study, we investigated the cross-sectional associations of both CMV serostatus and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response with cognitive function using linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. We further investigated potential effect-measure modification by educational attainment. Overall, both CMV seropositivity and higher IgG antibody response were associated with lower cognitive function, though the relationship was not statistically significant in adjusted models. Among participants with less than a high school diploma, CMV seropositivity and being in the first tertile of IgG response, relative to seronegative persons, were associated with lower scores on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (−0.56 points (95% confidence interval: −1.63, 0.52) and −0.89 points (95% confidence interval: −2.07, 0.29), respectively), and the relationship was attenuated among those with higher education. Our results suggest that CMV may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment, particularly among persons with fewer educational resources.
The end of social work
Authors: Maylea Chris
Published: October 2020

Social work literature is saturated with calls to reform social work in diverse and contradictory ways. This article argues that the profession of social work cannot be reformed and must be abolished. Specifically, the master narrative of Anglophone social work must be abandoned along with the institutions which maintain it; the professional bodies, the academic discipline and the formal title. Four reasons for this are presented: social work’s lack of coherent theory base, the problem of professionalism, social work’s historical abuses and the profession’s inability to rise to contemporary challenges. The fundamental theoretical tensions in social work theory are identified as preventing the profession from reconciling its aims of assuaging individual suffering and achieving social justice. This has also hindered social work’s aspiration to professionalism, which is both distracting and actively prevents social workers from working with people and communities. While these issues may have once been resolvable, the historical and contemporary contexts prevent resolution. Social work’s uncertain theoretical foundations, desire for professional legitimacy, past abuses and contemporary failures put the profession beyond recovery. No solutions or resolutions are suggested. What pieces are to be salvaged from the wreck of social work must be determined by the post-social work world.
Simulated Adoption of 2019 Community-Acquired Pneumonia Guidelines Across 114 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers: Estimated Impact on Culturing and Antibiotic Selection in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Christensen Matthew A , Nevers McKenna , Ying Jian , Haroldsen Candace , Stevens Vanessa , Jones Makoto M , Yarbrough Peter M , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Restrepo Marcos I , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Samore Matthew H , Jones Barbara Ellen
Published: October 2020

Background

The 2019 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) revised recommendations for culturing and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics. We simulated guideline adoption in Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatients.

Methods

For all VA acute hospitalizations for CAP from 2006–2016 nationwide, we compared observed with guideline-expected proportions of hospitalizations with initial blood and respiratory cultures obtained, empiric antibiotic therapy with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (anti-MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (antipseudomonal), empiric “overcoverage” (receipt of anti-MRSA/antipseudomonal therapy without eventual detection of MRSA/P. aeruginosa on culture), and empiric “undercoverage” (lack of anti-MRSA/antipseudomonal therapy with eventual detection on culture).

Results

Of 115 036 CAP hospitalizations over 11 years, 17 877 (16%) were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Guideline adoption would slightly increase respiratory culture (30% to 36%) and decrease blood culture proportions (93% to 36%) in hospital wards and increase both respiratory (40% to 100%) and blood (95% to 100%) cultures in ICUs. Adoption would decrease empiric selection of anti-MRSA (ward: 27% to 1%; ICU: 61% to 8%) and antipseudomonal (ward: 25% to 1%; ICU: 54% to 9%) therapies. This would correspond to greatly decreased MRSA overcoverage (ward: 27% to 1%; ICU: 56% to 8%), slightly increased MRSA undercoverage (ward: 0.6% to 1.3%; ICU: 0.5% to 3.3%), with similar findings for P. aeruginosa. For all comparisons, P < .001.

Conclusions

Adoption of the 2019 CAP guidelines in this population would substantially change culturing and empiric antibiotic selection practices, with a decrease in overcoverage and slight increase in undercoverage for MRSA and P. aeruginosa.