bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness, administrative challenges for establishing obstetric services, and experience of delivering over 400 women at a tertiary care COVID‐19 hospital in India
Authors: Mahajan Niraj N. , Pednekar Rahi , Patil Sarika R. , Subramanyam Alka A. , Rathi Surbhi , Malik Sushma , Mohite Shailesh C. , Shinde Ganesh , Joshi Mohan , Kumbhar Padmaja , Tilve Arundhati , Lokhande Pradip D. , Srivastava Shayla A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To provide a descriptive account of the challenges and administrative preparedness for establishing and sustaining safe obstetric services during the COVID‐19 pandemic at Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital (NH), Mumbai, India.

Methods

The management of pregnant women with COVID‐19 was implemented as per international (WHO, RCOG, ACOG) and national (Indian Council of Medical Research) recommendations and guidelines at an academic, tertiary care, COVID‐19 hospital in India.

Results

Using a multidisciplinary approach and active engagement of a multispecialty team, obstetric services were provided to over 400 women with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19. A sustainable model is established for providing services to pregnant women with COVID‐19 in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India.

Conclusion

With limited resources, it is possible to set up dedicated maternity services, aligned to international guidelines, for safe pregnancy outcomes in COVID‐19 settings. This COVID‐19 hospital addressed the challenges and implemented several known and novel methods to establish and sustain obstetric services for women with COVID‐19. The model established in the present study can be replicated in other low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Evaluation of various denture cleansers on color stability and surface topography of polyetherketoneketone, polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate
Authors: Ozyilmaz Ozgun Yusuf , Kara Ozlem , Akin Ceyda
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium perborate effervescent tablets and citric acid solution on the color stability and surface topography of a new generation of high‐performance polymer polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), thermoinjection‐molded polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Fifty disc‐shaped specimens were fabricated (10 mm × 2 mm) from PEKK (P group), polyamide (D group), and PMMA (M group). These groups were divided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to the storage media. The test groups were immersed in the following solutions: distilled water (Control), Corega, Protefix, Perlodent, and Curaprox. The color stability values (ΔE) were measured using a spectrophotometer before and after immersion in distilled water and four different denture cleansers for 8 hr/day for 140 days. Topography alterations after treatments were assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. The p < .05 was considered significant. All denture cleansers increased the ΔE values relative to the baseline values in the M, D, and P groups (p < .05). The Perlodent denture cleanser demonstrated the highest ΔE value in all groups, which was unacceptable. Curaprox denture cleanser showed the lowest ΔE value in the M and D groups (p < .05). Curaprox in all groups showed a ∆E value less than 3.7. For patients who have PEKK‐ and polyamide‐based prosthesis, the use of citric acid‐based cleansers may be more recommended than sodium perborate‐containing cleansers because of its clinically acceptable color changes on polymers in terms of color stability.
Synthesis and antimicrobial agents of thiazolidinone derivatives from benzocyclohepetenone
Authors: Jilla Lavanya , Kolluri Prashanth Kumar , Bujji Sushmitha , J. P. Naikal Subhashini
Published: August 2020

A series of benzosuberone coupled piperazin‐1‐yl thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives 6a‐j were synthesized from 3‐(2‐[9‐chloro‐2,3‐dimethyl‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐8‐yl]‐4‐oxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)propanoic acid (4) and substituted piperazines/secondary amines 5a‐j using 1‐hydroxy benzotriazole, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride and triethyl amine in good yields and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and Mass spectra. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains and a fungal strain. Compounds 6f and 6g were indicated promising and broad spectrum antibacterial activity.
Vibration improves gait biomechanics linked to posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Blackburn Troy , Padua Darin A. , Pietrosimone Brian , Schwartz Todd A. , Spang Jeffrey T. , Goodwin Jonathan S. , Dewig Derek R. , Johnston Chris D.
Published: August 2020

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) incurs a high risk of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). Aberrant gait biomechanics contribute to PTOA and are attributable in part to quadriceps dysfunction. Vibration improves quadriceps function following ACLR, but its effects on gait biomechanics are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole‐body vibration (WBV) and local muscle vibration (LMV) on gait biomechanics in individuals with ACLR. Seventy‐five volunteers (time since ACLR 27 ± 16 months) were randomized to WBV, LMV, or Control interventions. Walking biomechanics were assessed prior to and following a single exposure to the interventions. Outcomes included pre‐post change scores in the ACLR limb for the peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and its loading rate, peak internal knee extension (KEM) and abduction moments, and peak knee flexion and varus angles. LMV produced a significant decrease in the vGRF loading rate (−3.6 BW/s) that was greater than the changes in the WBV (−0.3 BW/s) and Control (0.5 BW/s) groups. Additionally, WBV produced an increase in the peak KEM (0.27% BW × Ht) that was greater than the change in the Control group (−0.17% BW × Ht) but not the LMV group (0.01% BW × Ht). Lower KEM and greater loading rates have been linked to declines in joint health following ACLR. WBV acutely increased the peak KEM and LMV decreased loading rates. These data suggest that vibration has the potential to mitigate aberrant gait biomechanics, and may represent an effective approach for reducing PTOA risk following ACLR.
A group additivity methodology for predicting the thermochemistry of oxygen‐containing organosilanes
Authors: Janbazi H. , Schulz C. , Wlokas I. , Wang H. , Peukert S.
Published: August 2020

A combinatorial approach was applied to devise a set of reference Si–C–O–H species that is used to derive group‐additivity values (GAVs) for this class of molecules. The reference species include 62 stable single‐bonded, 19 cyclic, and nine double‐bonded Si–C–O–H species. The thermochemistry of these reference species, that is, the standard enthalpy of formation, entropy, and heat capacities covering the temperature range from 298 to 2000 K was obtained from quantum chemical calculations using several composite methods, including G4, G4MP2, and CBSQB3, and the isodesmic reaction approach. To calculate the GAVs from the ab initio based thermochemistry of the compounds in the training set, a multivariable linear regression analysis is performed. The sensitivity of GAVs to the different composite methods is discussed, and thermodynamics properties calculated via group additivity are compared with available ab initio calculated values from the literature.
Changes of Laryngeal and Extralaryngeal Symptoms and Findings in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Bobin Francois , Muls Vinciane , Mouawad Francois , Dapri Giovanni , Dequanter Didier , Horoi Mihaela , Thill Marie‐Paule , Rodriguez Ruiz Alexandra , Saussez Sven
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the evolution of laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) throughout a 3‐month to 9‐month treatment.

Study Design

Prospective Controlled Study.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐seven LPR patients and 123 healthy individuals were enrolled from four European hospitals. Patients were managed with a 3‐month personalized treatment considering the LPR characteristics at the impedance‐pH monitoring. Regarding the clinical therapeutic response, treatment was adapted for 3 to 6 additional months. Symptoms and findings were assessed throughout the therapeutic course with the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and the short version of the Reflux Sign Assessment (sRSA). The relationship between patient and reflux characteristics, symptoms, and findings was assessed.

Results

One hundred twenty‐one LPR patients completed the study. LPR patients exhibited more laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings than healthy individuals. RSS significantly improved from baseline to 6 weeks posttreatment and continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. sRSA significantly improved from baseline to 3 months posttreatment. No further improvement was noted at 6 months posttreatment for pharyngeal and oral findings. Laryngeal findings continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. There was a significant association between patient stress level and RSS (P = .045). At 3 months posttreatment, 28.1% of patients had high or complete response, whereas 47.1% required 6 months or 9 months of treatment. Overall, 24.8% of patients had an LPR chronic course.

Conclusions

Laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings significantly improved throughout treatment in LPR patients. The improvement of laryngeal findings was slower. Regarding the low prevalence of some digestive or otolaryngological symptoms, a short version of the RSS could be developed.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1332–1342, 2021
Optical Metasurfaces for Generation and Superposition of Optical Ring Vortex Beams
Authors: Han Jin , Intaravanne Yuttana , Ma Aning , Wang Ruoxing , Li Songtao , Li Zhancheng , Chen Shuqi , Li Jensen , Chen Xianzhong
Published: August 2020

The helical phase structure of a twisted light beam has attracted big interest in both fundamental science and practical applications. A facile metasurface approach to generate and manipulate ring vortex beams is reported and experimentally demonstrated. The generation of ring vortex beams is realized by combining the functionalities of an axicon, a vortex beam generator and a beam deflector onto a single reflective metasurface, which consists of nanorods with spatially variant orientations sitting on a silicon dioxide layer in the middle and a gold layer at the bottom. By controlling the polarization state of the incident light, the superposition of ring vortex beams is continuously tuned. The unique property of the developed device renders this technology very attractive for polarization detection and quantum science related applications.
One‐Year Functional and Anatomical Outcomes After Selective Retina Therapy With Real‐Time Feedback‐Controlled Dosimetry in Patients With Intermediate Age‐Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Minhee , Park Young Gun , Roh Young‐Jung
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

This pilot study sought to evaluate changes in macular function and drusen volume (DV) after selective retina therapy (SRT) in patients with intermediate age‐related macular degeneration (iAMD).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty participants with bilateral iAMD were included in this prospective interventional case series study. After titrating pulse energy by real‐time feedback‐controlled dosimetry, SRT with a wavelength of 527 nm was applied around the macula of one eye of each patient. Changes in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), DV within the central 5‐mm ring (C5), and retinal sensitivity (RS) of the SRT‐treated eyes (treated eyes) and untreated fellow eyes (untreated eyes) were evaluated at baseline and then at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment using linear mixed models.

Results

The mean BCVA did not change significantly between baseline and 12 months in both treated and untreated eyes (P = 0.06, P = 0.24, respectively), whereas the BCVA increase rate was faster for treated than for untreated eyes at the 12‐month visit (–0.072 logMAR; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.085 to −0.059 logMAR; P = 0.006). The mean cube root transformation of DV (cube root DV) within C5 in the untreated eyes increased significantly from 0.278 ± 0.115 at baseline to 0.295 ± 0.132 mm (P = 0.027) at 12 months, whereas the cube root DV change in treated eyes was not significant (P = 0.553). The rate of increase in the cube root DV was lower in treated than in untreated eyes at the 12‐month visit (−0.016 mm; 95% CI, −0.018 to −0.011 mm; P = 0.015). The mean RS was increased from 22.49 ± 2.40 dB to 24.09 ± 2.19 dB (P < 0.001) in the treated eyes, whereas the change of mean RS in the untreated eyes was not significant at the 12‐month visit (P = 0.18). The treated eyes had a higher rate of increase in RS than untreated eyes at the 12‐month visit (1.012 dB; 95% CI, 0.776–1.251 dB; P = 0.037). The RS change was significantly associated with the interaction between SRT treatment and time (P = 0.028), whereas it was not associated with cube root DV change (P = 0.106). No SRT‐related adverse effects were observed in all participants during the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Since SRT improved the mean RS and reduced the rate of change in drusen load in the treated eyes, as compared to the untreated eyes, SRT might slow the progression of iAMD. However, further large randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of SRT for iAMD. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Hydroxyapatite‐Incorporated Composite Gels Improve Mechanical Properties and Bioactivity of Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Suvarnapathaki Sanika , Wu Xinchen , Lantigua Darlin , Nguyen Michelle A. , Camci‐Unal Gulden
Published: August 2020

Reinforcing polymeric scaffolds with micro/nanoparticles improve their mechanical properties and render them bioactive. In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) is incorporated into 5% (w/v) gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels at 1, 5, and 20 mg mL−1concentrations. The material properties of these composite gels are characterized through swelling, degradation, and compression tests. Using 3D cell encapsulation, the cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts are evaluated to assess the biological properties of the composite scaffolds. The in vitro assays demonstrate increasing cell proliferation and metabolic activity over the course of 14 d in culture. Furthermore, the scaffolds support osteogenic differentiation of the microencapsulated preosteoblasts. For the in vivo study, the composite scaffolds are subcutaneously implanted in rats for 14 d. The histological staining of the explanted in vivo samples exhibits the functional advantages of the scaffold's biocompatibility, biodegradability, and integration into the existing host tissue. This work demonstrates the enhanced mechanical and biological performance of HA‐gelatin composite hydrogels for bone tissue engineering applications.
Oceanic Environmental Effects on American Eel Recruitment to the East River, Chester, Nova Scotia
Authors: Jessop Brian M.
Published: August 2020

The effect of oceanic environmental conditions on the recruitment of American Eel Anguilla rostrata to coastal waters is poorly understood. This study examined correlations between the annual elver count index of the East River, Chester, Nova Scotia, seasonal oceanic environmental conditions associated with the larval and glass eel stages, and larval and glass eel migration times between the spawning area and continental recruitment. In recent years, the elver fishery of the East River has started earlier in conjunction with increasing inshore, continental shelf, and Gulf Stream water temperatures, with the strength of the correlation decreasing with distance from shore. A northward shift of the Gulf Stream may also have contributed to earlier arrival dates. Annual elver index values increased over the study period but were not significantly correlated with any atmospheric or oceanic environmental conditions, perhaps due to a relatively short time series, although effect sizes (correlation coefficient r) were often medium, a level potentially considered of biological importance. Elver mean lengths varied annually with no trend and were not significantly correlated with the elver index. Significant correlations occurred between the North Atlantic Oscillation and Sargasso Sea primary productivity (lag of 0) and Emerald Basin (Scotian Shelf) water temperatures (lag of –5), while Scotian Shelf chlorophyll values decreased with increasing water temperatures (lag of –3). The mean migration period from spawning to stream entrance at the East River was estimated at 1.2 years, mostly spent growing in and ultimately leaving the Sargasso Sea, then crossing oceanic and continental shelf waters between the Gulf Stream and coastal streams, with a short period of transport along the Gulf Stream. The estimate of total migration period based on observed recruitment times at various sites and the mean of the estimated spawning period averaged 45.5% greater than those estimated from otolith methods, perhaps due to the effect on otolith daily ring deposition during glass eel migration in oceanic water temperatures <10ºC between the Gulf Stream and coast.
Use prices as sales agents
Authors: Wang Ren , Hou Jie , Song Hui
Published: August 2020

We use a monopoly model with consumer heterogeneity to study the profitability of group buying, in which the discounted price is offered to consumers if more than a certain number of them agree to make purchases. We find that group buying generally outperforms intertemporal pricing but is outperformed by a referral reward program. The optimal minimum requirement depends on parameters. If a consumer and her invitee have homogeneous preference and there is no discount of future utility, a pricing strategy characterized by the low (medium) minimum requirement is always dominated by high minimum requirement, whose profit coincides with one‐person group buying.
Solutions of system of Volterra integro‐differential equations using optimal homotopy asymptotic method
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Akbar Muhammad , Nawaz Rashid , Jleli Mohamed
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a powerful semianalytical method known as optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) has been formulated for the solution of system of Volterra integro‐differential equations. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed technique are verified by different numerical problems in the literature, and the obtained results are compared with Sinc‐collocation method. These results show the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method does not require discretization like other numerical methods. Moreover, the convergence region can easily be controlled. The use of OHAM is simple and straightforward.
Carbon‐nanotube‐loaded planar gas and humidity sensor
Authors: Ge Wenping , Pei Lei , Liu Yajun , Baktur Reyhan
Published: August 2020

This paper reports a gas and humidity sensor design with improved sensitivity. The design is based on a planar antenna loaded with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Sensing is achieved by the conductivity change of the CNT film when exposed to various gases or humidity levels. The sensitivity improvement was achieved by replacing a portion of the patch conductor at the dominant edge with a strip of CNT film, and accordingly having the CNT film exercise the maximum effect on the antenna's radiation. The fabricated sensor was tested in a sealed chamber by filling the chamber with several different gases and then with water vapor. The experimental results were excellent, and the gas sensing capability of the CNT‐loaded patch antenna was better than previously reported designs. The sensor was designed for 2.4 GHz so that it can easily be compatible with Wi‐Fi and Bluetooth devices, and the sensor geometry can be easily scaled to other frequencies, which shows great promise for applications of the proposed wireless sensor in environmental monitoring and weather forecasting.
Impact of sequence type and field strength (1.5, 3, and 7T) on 4D flow MRI hemodynamic aortic parameters in healthy volunteers
Authors: Wiesemann Stephanie , Schmitter Sebastian , Demir Aylin , Prothmann Marcel , Schwenke Carsten , Chawla Ashish , von Knobelsdorff‐Brenkenhoff Florian , Greiser Andreas , Jin Ning , Bollache Emilie , Markl Michael , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette
Published: August 2020

Purpose

4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D‐MRI) allows time‐resolved visualization of blood flow patterns, quantification of volumes, velocities, and advanced parameters, such as wall shear stress (WSS). As 4D‐MRI enters the clinical arena, standardization and awareness of confounders are important. Our aim was to evaluate the equivalence of 4D flow‐derived aortic hemodynamics in healthy volunteers using different sequences and field strengths.

Methods

4D‐MRI was acquired in 10 healthy volunteers at 1.5T using three different prototype sequences, at 3T and at 7T (Siemens Healthineers). After evaluation of diagnostic quality in three segments (ascending‐, descending aorta, aortic arch), peak velocity, flow volumes, and WSS were investigated. Equivalence limits for comparison of field strengths/sequences were based on the limits of Bland‐Altman analyses of the intraobserver variability.

Results

Non‐diagnostic quality was found in 10/144 segments, 9/10 were obtained at 7T. Apart for the comparison of forward flow between sequence 1 and 3, the differences in measurements between field strengths/sequences exceeded the range of agreement. Significant differences were found between field strengths/sequences for forward flow (1.5T vs. 3T, 3T vs. 7T, sequence 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 3 [P < .001]), WSS (1.5T vs. 3T [P < .05], sequence 1 vs. 2, 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 3 [P < .001]), and peak velocity (1.5T vs. 7T, sequence 1 vs. 3 [P > .001]). All parameters at all field strengths/with all sequences correlated moderately to strongly (r ≥ 0.5).

Conclusion

Data from all sequences could be acquired and resulting images showed sufficient quality for further analysis. However, the variability of the measurements of peak velocity, flow volumes, and WSS was higher when comparing field strengths/sequences as the equivalence limits defined by the intraobserver assessments.
Assessment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms where an undiagnosed neurological disease is suspected: A report from an International Continence Society consensus working group
Authors: Roy Holly A. , Nettleton Jeremy , Blain Camilla , Dalton Catherine , Farhan Bilal , Fernandes Ailton , Georgopoulos Petros , Klepsch Sabine , Lavelle John , Martinelli Evangelista , Panicker Jalesh N. , Radoja Ivan , Rapidi Christina‐Anastasia , Pereira e Silva Ricardo , Tudor Katarina , Wagg Adrian S. , Drake Marcus J.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common urological referral, which sometimes can have a neurological basis in a patient with no formally diagnosed neurological disease (“occult neurology”). Early identification and specialist input is needed to avoid bad LUTS outcomes, and to initiate suitable neurological management.

Methods

The International Continence Society established a neurological working group to consider: Which neurological conditions may include LUTS as an early feature? What diagnostic evaluations should be undertaken in the LUTS clinic? A shortlist of conditions was drawn up by expert consensus and discussed at the annual congress of the International Neurourology Society. A multidisciplinary working group then generated recommendations for identifying clinical features and management.

Results

The relevant conditions are multiple sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, normal pressure hydrocephalus, early dementia, Parkinsonian syndromes (including early Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy) and spinal cord disorders (including spina bifida occulta with tethered cord, and spinal stenosis). In LUTS clinics, the need is to identify additional atypical features; new onset severe LUTS (excluding infection), unusual aspects (eg, enuresis without chronic retention) or “suspicious” symptoms (eg, numbness, weakness, speech disturbance, gait disturbance, memory loss/cognitive impairment, and autonomic symptoms). Where occult neurology is suspected, healthcare professionals need to undertake early appropriate referral; central nervous system imaging booked from LUTS clinic is not recommended.

Conclusions

Occult neurology is an uncommon underlying cause of LUTS, but it is essential to intervene promptly if suspected, and to establish suitable management pathways.
Multi‐parametric MR in Becker muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Hooijmans Melissa T. , Froeling Martijn , Koeks Zaida , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , Webb Andrew , Niks Erik H. , Kan Hermien E.
Published: August 2020

Quantitative MRI and MRS of muscle are increasingly being used to measure individual pathophysiological processes in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). In particular, muscle fat fraction was shown to be highly associated with functional tests in BMD. However, the muscle strength per unit of contractile cross‐sectional area is lower in patients with BMD compared with healthy controls. This suggests that the quality of the non‐fat‐replaced (NFR) muscle tissue is lower than in healthy controls. Consequently, a measure that reflects changes in muscle tissue itself is needed. Here, we explore the potential of water T2 relaxation times, diffusion parameters and phosphorus metabolic indices as early disease markers in patients with BMD. For this purpose, we examined these measures in fat‐replaced (FR) and NFR lower leg muscles in patients with BMD and compared these values with those in healthy controls. Quantitative proton MRI (three‐point Dixon, multi‐spin‐echo and diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo echo planar imaging) and 2D chemical shift imaging 31P MRS data were acquired in 24 patients with BMD (age 18.8‐66.2 years) and 13 healthy controls (age 21.3‐63.6 years). Muscle fat fractions, phosphorus metabolic indices, and averages and standard deviations (SDs) of the water T2 relaxation times and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters were assessed in six individual leg muscles. Phosphodiester levels were increased in the NFR and FR tibialis anterior, FR peroneus and FR gastrocnemius lateralis muscles. No clear pattern was visible for the other metabolic indices. Increased T2 SD was found in the majority of FR muscles compared with NFR and healthy control muscles. No differences in average water T2 relaxation times or DTI indices were found between groups. Overall, our results indicate that primarily muscles that are further along in the disease process showed increases in T2 heterogeneity and changes in some metabolic indices. No clear differences were found for the DTI indices between groups.
A discontinuous and adaptive reduced order model for the angular discretization of the Boltzmann transport equation
Authors: Hughes Alexander C. , Buchan Andrew G.
Published: August 2020

This article presents a new adaptive reduced order model for resolving the angular direction of the Boltzmann transport equation, based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and the method of snapshots. It builds upon previous methods of applying POD to the angular dimension, with modifications to increase accuracy and solver stability. Previous methods used continuous global functions spanning the whole sphere. The new approach, discontinuous POD (DPOD), partitions the surface of the sphere into angular regions, each with an independent set of POD basis functions. Combined, these can approximate flux distributions which span the sphere using optimized basis functions for each angular region. In addition, a novel implementation of adaptive angular resolution known as adaptive discontinuous POD (ADPOD) is presented, which allows the number of DPOD basis functions to vary by angular octant and spatial element. DPOD and ADPOD are applied to two problems in order to demonstrate their benefits compared with POD. Both are shown to reduce the number of solver iterations required to find a solution and decrease the error in the angular flux.
Research on the individualized short‐term training model of nurses in emergency isolation wards during the outbreak of COVID‐19
Authors: Zhou Min , Yuan Fei , Zhao Xiaolong , Xi Fanjie , Wen Xianxiu , Zeng Li , Zeng Wenbo , Wu Haiyan , Zeng Hui , Zhao Ziyu
Published: August 2020

Aim

To explore an effective personalized training model for nurses working in emergency isolation wards of COVID‐19 in a short period.

Design

This study is a longitudinal study from 24 January 2020 to 28 February 2020.

Methods

There are 71 nursing staff working in the emergency isolation wards of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital that participated in this study. The questionnaires were conducted with Likert scale. The operation assessment teachers have received standardized training. The self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self‐rating depression Scale (SDS) were applied to assess the mental state of nurses.

Results

After short‐term training, these nurses can handle the emergency tasks in a timely manner. The pass rate of nurse theory and operation assessment is 100%. The 111 suspected patients admitted to the emergency isolation ward have been scientifically diagnosed and treated, the three confirmed patients have received appropriate treatment. No nurses have been infected.

Conclusions

In this study, the personalized emergency training mode was feasible in the emergency isolation ward during the COVID‐19 epidemic, which rapidly improved the rescue ability of nurses and effectively avoid the occurrence of cross‐infection. This mode can provide a valuable reference for the emergency training of nurses in the future.
Balancing exploration and exploitation in public management: Proposal for an organizational model
Authors: Palmi Pamela , Corallo Angelo , Prete M. Irene , Harris Phil
Published: August 2020

Over the last 30 years, a wave of reforms has reshaped the panorama of public administrations around the world, which have also stimulated debates on the subject reform in public sector relations. Much research has focused on discussing the validity of New Public Management (NPM) as a paradigm, including the recognition of regional versions of a number of universal problems in the Public Governance, NPM, and Public Value areas. This debate is focused on the need to give concrete answers to the new management needs of policy makers and to the growing demands of citizens. Increasingly public administration is based on meeting two needs: society requires creative, flexible, and innovation‐oriented approaches, whilst economic pressures and budget cuts are forcing uses and models oriented toward efficiency, competitiveness, and cost savings. As regard the changing requirements of the public government, the new organizational system needs to incorporate the creativity, innovation capacity, and flexibility necessary to achieve sustainability and public value. The purpose of this research is to offer an organizational model, which balances exploration activities with those of exploitation, thus being able to meet the changing needs within the Administration, and the actions envisaged for its operations. This article also introduces the requirements for a decision support system to measure regional performance and service quality. It is hoped that we add to our knowledge and understanding of coordinated public policy and good governance that is effective even in these radically demanding Covid‐19 times.
The Impacts of Paid Family Leave Benefits: Regression Kink Evidence from California Administrative Data
Authors: Bana Sarah H. , Bedard Kelly , Rossin‐Slater Maya
Published: August 2020

We use 10 years of California administrative data with a regression kink design to estimate the causal impacts of benefits in the first state‐level paid family leave program for women with earnings near the maximum benefit threshold. We find no evidence that a higher weekly benefit amount (WBA) increases leave duration or leads to adverse future labor market outcomes for this group. In contrast, we document that a rise in the WBA leads to an increased likelihood of returning to the pre‐leave firm (conditional on any employment) and of making a subsequent paid family leave claim.
Efficacy of noninvasive respiratory support modes as postextubation respiratory support in preterm neonates: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Bandyopadhyay Tapas , Nanda Debasish , Bandiya Prathik , More Kiran , Oommen Vinod Idicula , Gupta Amit
Published: August 2020

Background

Multiple noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) modalities are used for postextubation support in preterm neonates. Seven NRS modalities were compared—constant flow continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (CF‐CPAP) (bubble CPAP; ventilator CPAP), variable flow CPAP (VF‐CPAP), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), synchronized noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (S‐NIPPV), nonsynchronized NIPPV (NS‐NIPPV), bilevel CPAP (BiPAP), noninvasive high‐frequency oscillation ventilation (nHFOV).

Design

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) using the Bayesian random‐effects approach. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, WHO‐ICTRP were searched.

Main Outcome Measure

Requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation within 7 days of extubation.

Results

A total of 33 studies with 4080 preterm neonates were included. S‐NIPPV, NS‐NIPPV, nHFOV, and VF‐CPAP were more efficacious in preventing reintubation than CF‐CPAP (risk ratio [RR] [95% credible intervals {CrI}]: 0.22 [0.12, 0.35]; 0.44 [0.27, 0.67]; 0.42 [0.18, 0.81]; 0.73 [0.52, 0.99]). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value ranked S‐NIPPV to be the best postextubation intervention (SUCRA: 0.98). S‐NIPPV was more effective than NS‐NIPPV, BiPAP, VF‐CPAP, and HFNC (RR [95% CrI]: 0.52 [0.24, 0.97]; 0.32 [0.14, 0.64]; 0.30 [0.16, 0.50]; 0.24 [0.12, 0.41]). NS‐NIPPV resulted in lesser reintubation compared to VF‐CPAP and HFNC (RR [95% CrI]: 0.61 [0.36, 0.97]; 0.49 [0.27, 0.80]). BiPAP, VF‐CPAP, and HFNC had comparable efficacies. The overall quality of evidence was very low to moderate.

Conclusion

Results of this NMA indicate that S‐NIPPV might be the most effective and CF‐CPAP the least effective NRS modality for preventing extubation failure.
Optical Quality and Stimulated Emission of Molecular Beam Epitaxy Grown AlGaN in the Deep Ultraviolet
Authors: Yin Xue , Zhao Songrui
Published: August 2020

In this work, the optical quality and stimulated emission of aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN)/AlN double heterostructure grown by molecular beam epitaxy in the deep ultraviolet (UV) are reported. The room temperature internal quantum efficiency at a carrier density of 1 × 1018 cm−3 is around 12%, mainly limited by dislocations. For such as‐grown wafers, spectral narrowing and nonlinearity of the light output are measured from the wafer edge, with the transverse‐electric (TE)‐polarized component becoming dominant as the excitation increases. With cleaving, edge‐emitting lasing at 298 nm is measured, with an estimated threshold of 0.95 MW cm−2.
Antiviral activity of puerarin as potent inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase
Authors: Wang Hui‐Xian , Zeng Mao‐Sen , Ye Yi , Liu Jin‐Yuan , Xu Pei‐Ping
Published: August 2020

Puerarin is a major isofiavone compound isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata. It was reported that puerarin had antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antitumor, cholesterol lowering, liver protective, and neuroprotective properties. However, few studies have explored the antiviral effect of puerarin and its target mechanism related to influenza virus. Here, the antiinfluenza activity of puerarin in vitro and in vivo and its mode of action on the potential inhibition of neuraminidase (NA) were investigated. Puerarin displayed an inhibitory effect on A/FM/1/1947(H1N1) (EC50 = 52.06 μM). An indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated that puerarin blocked the nuclear export of viral NP. The inhibition of NA activity confirmed that puerarin can block the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells. Puerarin (100 and 200 mg/kg/d) exhibited effective antiviral activity in mice, conferring 50% and 70% protection from death against H1N1, reducing virus titers, and effectively alleviating inflammation in the lungs. The molecular docking results showed that puerarin had a strong binding affinity with NA from H1N1. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation revealed that puerarin had higher stable binding at the 150‐loop region of the NA protein. These results demonstrated that puerarin acts as a NA blocker to inhibit influenza A virus both in cellular and animal models. Thus, puerarin has potential utility for the treatment of the influenza virus infection.
Microcavity Polaritons for Quantum Simulation
Authors: Boulier Thomas , Jacquet Maxime J. , Maître Anne , Lerario Giovanni , Claude Ferdinand , Pigeon Simon , Glorieux Quentin , Amo Alberto , Bloch Jacqueline , Bramati Alberto , Giacobino Elisabeth
Published: August 2020

Quantum simulations are one of the pillars of quantum technologies. These simulations provide insight in fields as varied as high energy physics, many‐body physics, or cosmology to name only a few. Several platforms, ranging from ultracold‐atoms to superconducting circuits through trapped ions have been proposed as quantum simulators. This article reviews recent developments in another well established platform for quantum simulations: polaritons in semiconductor microcavities. These quasiparticles obey a nonlinear Schrödigner equation (NLSE), and their propagation in the medium can be understood in terms of quantum hydrodynamics. As such, they are considered as “fluids of light.” The challenge of quantum simulations is the engineering of configurations in which the potential energy and the nonlinear interactions in the NLSE can be controlled. Here, some landmark experiments with polaritons in microcavities are revisited, how the various properties of these systems may be used in quantum simulations is discussed, and the richness of polariton systems to explore nonequilibrium physics is highlighted.
Large dam renewals and removals—Part 1: Building a science framework to support a decision‐making process
Authors: Curry R. Allen , Yamazaki Gordon , Linnansaari Tommi , Monk Wendy , Samways Kurt M. , Dolson Rebecca , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Bielecki Anthony
Published: August 2020

Altered rivers and managed flows are a hallmark of civilization and dams are a principal agent of alteration. Peak dam construction occurred at the turn of the last century in Western countries, and many of the largest dams are reaching the end of their service life. As a result, dam operators are increasingly facing a complex renewal/removal decision‐making process in a large part because the economic and social values of dams have changed. The Mactaquac Hydroelectric Generating Station (New Brunswick, Canada), operated by NB Power Corporation (NB Power), is Canada's 25th largest dam and it is reaching the end of its service life. A decision is required for the dam's future state and three options were originally proposed: renew, rebuild, or remove. An overarching science framework was developed with NB Power to inform and support decision‐making for the dam's decision process and an impending Environmental Impact Assessment. The framework guides research and monitoring for dam renewal/removal using science‐based solutions that aim to minimize impacts on the aquatic environment while supporting an efficient and cost‐effective decision‐making process. The framework has five components: (a) establish long‐term baselines of environmental conditions; (b) develop normal ranges describing the river's natural variability; (c) integrated physical and biological modelling; (d) assess the specific and cumulative state of fish passage; and (e) create and sustain a user‐friendly geospatial data management system. In this paper we present a case study that implements the science framework (Part 1) through the Mactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study (MAES) with a view to revisit and assess its final impact post‐project completion (Part 2).
Computational intelligence within a resource budget: The case of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) swarm
Authors: Foss Richard A.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the resource budget available to a typical honey bee swarm as it gathered information and decided which was the best of some 13–34 potential nest sites to move into and become its new home. After a brief description of the decision‐making mechanisms involved, the utilization of the swarm's finite energy, memory and carrier resources is described. It was found that each individual scout decision maker only carried enough energy reserves to provide for 2.6 days of visits to evaluate distant sites and, effectively, only enough memory space to remember the location and quality of approximately one site. Scouts, who only formed 4.4% of the swarm bees, consumed 22.8% of the swarm's energy budget, showing that their best‐of‐N computations were energetically very expensive. A typical swarm of 12,000 bees only contained enough energy reserves to last for 13.5 days after which foraging had to restart.
Development of Antimicrobial Biodegradable Films Based on Corn Starch with Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L
Authors: Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos Alberto , Díaz‐Cruz Claudio Alonso , Castro‐Rosas Javier , Jiménez‐Regalado Enrique Javier , Velazquez Gonzalo , Gutierrez Miguel C. , Aguirre‐Loredo Rocio Yaneli
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work is to prepare biodegradable films of corn starch, replacing a part of the distilled water used in the formulation of the filmogenic solution with an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) and evaluate its functional properties and antimicrobial capacity. The films are made by casting method, adding different HSE:water volume ratios: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 as control. All films with HSE showed an antimicrobial effect, giving positive results against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. It is observed that, with the increase in the proportion of HSE, the films are more manageable and glossy than those of starch alone and a more intense red color as the extract content increased, significantly improving its mechanical properties, mainly when the HSE content is above 25% on the filmogenic solution. Likewise, the addition of the extract significantly improved the water vapor barrier capacity of the films. According to the results obtained in this study, corn starch films with aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa are an excellent alternative as a biodegradable packaging material for the food industry, with good functional properties and antimicrobial capacity.
Electromagnetic Transients Program: History and Future
Authors: Ametani Akihiro
Published: August 2020

This paper describes the background of Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) and reviews original EMTP development at Bonneville Power Administration of the US Department of Energy starting from 1966 to 1984. Then, the paper briefly explains the development and present situation of four EMTPs, that is, ATP‐EMTP, EMTP‐RV (now EMTP®), EMTDC/PSCAD and XTAP. In addition, the line/cable parameters and the modeling methods prepared in EMTPs are described, and related problems are explained. Finally, the recent trend and future of electromagnetic transient simulations are discussed. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Dark‐field hyperspectral imaging for label free detection of nano‐bio‐materials
Authors: Mehta Nishir , Sahu Sushant P. , Shaik Shahensha , Devireddy Ram , Gartia Manas Ranjan
Published: August 2020

Nanomaterials are playing an increasingly important role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticle (NP)‐based technologies have been utilized for targeted drug delivery during chemotherapies, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy. Another active area of research is the toxicity studies of these nanomaterials to understand the cellular uptake and transport of these materials in cells, tissues, and environment. Traditional techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry to analyze NP‐based cellular transport or toxicity effect are expensive, require extensive sample preparation, and are low‐throughput. Dark‐field hyperspectral imaging (DF‐HSI), an integration of spectroscopy and microscopy/imaging, provides the ability to investigate cellular transport of these NPs and to quantify the distribution of them within bio‐materials. DF‐HSI also offers versatility in non‐invasively monitoring microorganisms, single cell, and proteins. DF‐HSI is a low‐cost, label‐free technique that is minimally invasive and is a viable choice for obtaining high‐throughput quantitative molecular analyses. Multimodal imaging modalities such as Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy are also being integrated with HSI systems to enable chemical imaging of the samples. HSI technology is being applied in surgeries to obtain molecular information about the tissues in real‐time. This article provides brief overview of fundamental principles of DF‐HSI and its application for nanomaterials, protein‐detection, single‐cell analysis, microbiology, surgical procedures along with technical challenges and future integrative approach with other imaging and measurement modalities.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > in vitro Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanoscale Tools and Techniques in Surgery
Emerging translation strategies during virus–host interaction
Authors: Hoang Huy‐Dung , Neault Serge , Pelin Adrian , Alain Tommy
Published: August 2020

Translation control is crucial during virus–host interaction. On one hand, viruses completely rely on the protein synthesis machinery of host cells to propagate and have evolved various mechanisms to redirect the host's ribosomes toward their viral mRNAs. On the other hand, the host rewires its translation program in an attempt to contain and suppress the virus early on during infection; the antiviral program includes specific control on protein synthesis to translate several antiviral mRNAs involved in quenching the infection. As the infection progresses, host translation is in turn inhibited in order to limit viral propagation. We have learnt of very diverse strategies that both parties utilize to gain or retain control over the protein synthesis machinery. Yet novel strategies continue to be discovered, attesting for the importance of mRNA translation in virus–host interaction. This review focuses on recently described translation strategies employed by both hosts and viruses. These discoveries provide additional pieces in the understanding of the complex virus–host translation landscape.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Mechanisms

Translation > Translation Regulation
Multiscale Modeling of EEG/MEG Response of a Compact Cluster of Tightly Spaced Pyramidal Neocortical Neurons
Authors: Makarov Sergey N. , Ahveninen Jyrki , Hämäläinen Matti , Okada Yoshio , Noetscher Gregory M. , Nummenmaa Aapo
Published: August 2020

In this study, the boundary element fast multipole method or BEM-FMM is applied to model compact clusters of tightly spaced pyramidal neocortical neurons firing simultaneously and coupled with a high-resolution macroscopic head model. The algorithm is capable of processing a very large number of surface-based unknowns along with a virtually unlimited number of elementary microscopic current dipole sources distributed within the neuronal arbor.

The realistic cluster size may be as large as 10,000 individual neurons, while the overall computation times do not exceed several minutes on a standard server. Using this approach, we attempt to establish how well the conventional lumped-dipole model used in electroencephalography/magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG) analysis approximates a compact cluster of realistic neurons situated either in a gyrus (EEG response dominance) or in a sulcus (MEG response dominance).