bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-dependent reliability analysis for out-plane stability of CFST arches
Authors: Jiang Wei
Published: July 2020

Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) arches have been widely used in bridge structures for the advantages of material properties and construction technologies. However, studies for out-plane stability with the consideration of uncertainties due to the concrete creep have been limited. In this paper, the limit state function (LSF) for out-plane creep stability of CFST arches is established. The stastical information of creep coefficient of concrete is obtained based on the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. Based on the models of out-plane creep stability, the time-dependent reliability method and the finite element reliability method (FERM) are combined to investigate the reliability deteriotion for the out-plane stability of CFST arch ribs. The results show that the reliability indices for out-plane creep stability decreases sharply with time; the deteriotion of time-dependent reliability is significant in the first 200 days; the effects of steel ratios on the time-dependent reliability index is remarkble.
Research on Characteristics of Field Measured Near-earth Turbulence of Typhoon “Soulik” by Transmission Tower
Authors: Hongjie Zhang , Guo Huang , Bin Xie , Yu Wang , Xingjie Wang , Chong Zheng
Published: July 2020

To explore the variation of mean wind speed, turbulence intensity and gust factor along the height, a 500kV transmission tower located in Ningde Fujian was chosen and the wind data during typhoon “Soulik” were collected from five anemometers arranged at 15m, 27m, 53m, 67m and 82m height. The results show that the rough factor decreases with wind speed when it is less than 12m/s, And little variation when wind speed over 12m/s. The friction velocity is increase with wind speed. The variation of the near-earth boundary calculated by the formula is not obvious with time, The average height of neutral ABL is 2,007.89m, which is much higher than the 350m of gradient height. Recommended by Chinese National Load Code for open terrain. The profile of mean wind speed of typhoon “Soulik” agrees well with the power law and the log law. In this paper, the expressions of longitudinal, lateral and vertical turbulence profiles are obtained by exponential fitting. Finally, the actual gust factor is fitted as the shape of

G
i

=

α

(

Z
10

)

β

, and obtained the empirical expression of gust factor.
Synthesis and Characterization of Dried Leaves Derived Carbon Quantum Dots and g-C3N4 Composite
Authors: Sim L C , Khor J M , Leong K H , Saravanan P
Published: July 2020

In this work, carbon quantum dots (CDs) was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal treatment using dried leaves as green precursor. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was combined with CDs to prepare CDs/g-C3N4 composites with three different weight percentage at 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 wt%, respectively. The morphological structure, optical properties and chemical compositions of CDs and composites were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. CDs solution portrayed a significant fluorescence property that bright blue-green fluorescence can be observed by naked eye under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The highest fluorescence emission was recorded at 320 nm with the optimal excitation wavelength of 423 nm. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) results displayed red-shifted adsorption spectra of CDs/g-C3N4 composites from 500 nm to 800 nm. No upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) was detected in CDs based on the photoluminescence (PL) study. The loading of CDs on g-C3N4 reduced the band gap from 2.7 eV to 2.59 eV.
Effect of Lithium Chloride on the Fabrication of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposite Membrane for the Separation of Oil-Water Emulsions
Authors: Tuazon Mary Rose C , Aquino Ruth R , Yap Ang Micah Belle Marie , Tolentino Marvin S
Published: July 2020

Polyvinylidene fluoride membranes have been broadly applied to scientific research and industrial processes due to its excellent property and applications mainly in water treatment. In this study, the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the porosity, morphology, hydrophilicity and permeability of PVDF-halloysites (PVDF-HNT) nanofiber membranes were investigated. It was observed that the incorporation of LiCl improved the electrospinnability of polymersolution and modifes the morphology of fibers from beaded fiber to a uniform fiber structure. The fabricated membrane was used for the separation of oil-water emulsions via gravitational dead end system, in which the 2% concentration of LiCl as additive, bear out the most amount of volume of water collected. As a result, the fabricated membrane offers a new material for practical applications in oil-water separations.
Nanoporous Carbon from Water Hyacinth Via Hydrothermal Carbonization
Authors: Chanpee Sirayu , Suksai Nattaya , Kaewtrakulchai Napat , Chutipaijit Sutee , Fuji Masayoshi , Eiad-Ua Apiluck
Published: July 2020

Nanoporous carbon materials have been successfully synthesized from water hyacinth via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This research was studied the effect of hydrothermal temperature from 160 - 200 °C and reaction time for 4 - 24 h. Afterwards, carbonization was carried out at the temperature of 600 - 900 °C for 2 h in N2 atmosphere for developing porosity and even removing contaminants of hydrothermal char to obtain the porous carbon. The physico-chemical properties of nanoporous carbon materials were comprehensively characterized through Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), CHN elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET analysis. The adsorption capacity and carbon content of nanoporous carbon materials from water hyacinth were increased with increased hydrothermal carbonization temperature and time. Performing HTC at 200 °C for 12 h. Is the optimum condition to synthesis of precursor materials for good adsorbent.
N-doped Porous Carbon from Palm Male Flower via Hydrothermal Carbonization
Authors: Verasarut Panupong , Liamprawat Tanatorn , Kaewtrakulchai Napat , Chutipaijit Sutee , Panomsuwan Gasidit , Puengjinda Pramote , Fuji Masayoshi , Eiad-Ua Apiluck
Published: July 2020

N-doped porous carbon materials were produced from palm male flower using hydrothermal carbonization processes at 200 °C for 24 h followed by N-Doping and carbonization at 700°C for 2 h. N-doping was carried out by impregnation using NH4OH at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 M and 2 M. Products were characterized by means of chemical composition and morphology using SEM, XPS, and XRD to characterize specific properties such as physical morpholog, porosity, elemental composition on surface and crystalline structure of PMF. After applying hydrothermal carbonization processes, the results showed substantially increased porosity and surface area with suitable microstructure for N-doped electrodes applications. The highest porosity was obtained at NPC–1.5 M.
Morphology, Thermal Degradation and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Polyurea used as Explosive-Proof Elastomer
Authors: Won-In K , Dararutana P
Published: July 2020

It is well known that the blast affected the explosion and terrorism, not only human life, but also the building structure. In order to prevent these, protective materials are developed. One of them is polyurea. In this work, the elemental composition and microstructure of the selected polyurea sheet samples are characterized. Thermal, dynamic mechanical, tensile, and hardness properties are also studied. It is found that carbon and oxygen are the main compositions, while silicon, fluorine, and titanium are presented as minor ones. The modulus and loss factor increase as the frequency and temperature increase. The elongation property is over 100% and the hardness is around 90 Shore A.
Role of Organic Additives in the Fabrication of Micro Copper Rods by Localized Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Alshwawreh N , Hussien O , Khanfar M
Published: July 2020

In this research, an automated experimental setup to fabricate high aspect ratio copper micro rods using localized electrodeposition was assembled. Using a custom-made microelectrode, copper micro columns were successfully fabricated on copper substrates from an additive-free electrolyte. To expand the capabilities of localized electrochemical deposition as a potential microfabrication technique, the effect of organic additives including Janus Green B (JGB), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), 3-mercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid (MPSA) on the uniformity of the fabricated structures was studied. Scanning electron microscopy characterization revealed that organic additives play an important role in achieving a uniform and rigid micro rod across its height. An electrolyte containing all three additives (PEG, JGB, MPSA) appears to produce a micro rod with better structural characteristics compared with the case when only two additives are present (PEG, JGB). From this research, designing an electrolyte with proper chemistry appears to be critical to realize optimized fabrication of micro scale features by localized electrodeposition. It could also contribute to presenting the technique as a competitive and reliable micro fabrication alternative to other complex and high-cost technologies.
Differences in Polysaccharide Containment Obtained by Various Pulsed Light Irradiated Waste Mushroom Base of Yellow Flammulina Velutipes
Authors: Tsai Shu-Yao , Wu Pei-Han , Lin Chun-Ping
Published: July 2020

The goal of this study was applied on the pulsed light of physical method, to promote the polysaccharide containment of mushroom base of Yellow Flammulina velutipes (Jinhua mushroom). Jinhua mushroom is a specific edible and medicinal mushroom in Taiwan that contains a variety of nutrients and bioactive components such as vitamin, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein, ergosterol, amino acid and umami constituents acknowledged to be beneficial for human health. Jinhua mushroom, whose appearance is also similar to white Flammulina velutipes but the functional ingredients are more than it. The polysaccharide of Jinhua mushroom base, which was irradiated the 0–80 pulses of pulsed light. Interestingly, the polysaccharide molecular weight was in the range of 3.56 to 4.30 x 106 Da of base with pulsed light (0–80 pulses), along with increasing pulsed light irradiated pulses, the polysaccharides’ viscosity (cPs) was increased. Meanwhile, we determined the moisture adsorption ability and thermal decomposition of the Jinhua mushroom base’s polysaccharide, which could be applied to a design during cosmetic materials and biomedicals. Overall, this study is a complete, forward-looking and innovative research project in agricultural waste recycling.
Experiment and Numerical Modeling of Boron Effect on Weld HAZ Hardenability of Steels
Authors: Yoshimoto K. , Pasang T. , Aihara S. , Kawabata T.
Published: July 2020

Boron is an alloying element used for increasing the strength of steels, but on the other hand, it sometimes deteriorates heat affected zone (HAZ) weldability and toughness. Although it is widely known that the hardenability of steel is improved due to grain boundary segregation of boron, its details and quantification have not yet been clarified. In this study, boron-free HT590 and boron-added HT780 steels were welded and microstructure and hardness distribution in HAZ were measured, in detail. Furthermore, we calculated and investigated the grain boundary segregation and diffusion of boron during weld thermal cycle by numerical analysis while comparing it with the experiment result. As a result, the present model made it clear that the effect of boron on HAZ hardenability can be expressed by non-equilibrium segregated boron at grain boundary, quantitatively.
Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Cutting Temperature of EN31 Steel with Varying MQSL Parameters
Authors: Chary Nalband Sai Kiran , Pamidimukkala Kalyan , Akkapally Prathik , Challa Muralidhar Reddy , Kirupakaran Yeshwanth Prasanna , Dammu Hitesh , Thati Ajay , Abraham Sachin Jacob , Gunda Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2020

In the present-day manufacturing industry, achieving machining accuracy, high production rate, high material removal rate and increasing tool cutting life is becoming more vital and a particularly difficult task. Machining of hard material imposes a lot of challenges, mainly high temperature generation between tool-workpiece interface. Enormous heat generation adversely affects surface roughness, tool life, dimensional quality of the workpiece and deteriorates the tool life significantly. The use of proper lubrication in machining processes is critically important to modify the conditions of contact area by effective control over frictional interaction which should ensure change in tool-chip interface and machining mechanics. In the present work an experimental investigation was carried out on various MQSL parameters on surface roughness and tool temperature in turning EN 31 steel and the results are compared with dry turning. In order to apply lubricants at shearing interface (chip flow at the rake face of the tool) high velocity MQSL set-up is fabricated. The present work has achieved significant results and helped in concluding the influence of lubricant parameters of MQSL in turning process.
Non-contact surface roughness measurement using laser speckle technique
Authors: Patel Dhiren R. , Kiran M. B.
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with selected contact type stylus method and non-contact type machine vision method using laser speckle for components prepared by grinding of AISI 1040 steel with a variety of wheels and varied depth of cut. In this interactive study, Optical method based on statistical properties of binary images is proposed for machined surfaces. Grounded metal surfaces are used to develop a binary digitized speckle pattern by a beam of He-Ne laser light source. High end camera is used to capture the image of a speckle pattern. White to black pixels ratios is computed from the binary images using image processing toolbox in Matlab. The correlation is developed between white to black pixels ratio and measured two-dimensional surface roughness parameter. Two-dimensional surface roughness parameters are recorded using a contact-type surface profilometer. The results which opted, clearly supports that these parameters have a relationship with a degree of surface roughness. A linear relationship is observed between parameter obtained from proposed technique and measured value of surface roughness using surface profilometer. The statistical analysis represents the performance of maximum relative error in prediction of surface roughness is 9%.
Multipurpose Agricultural Robot Platform
Authors: Thaitanun Sunti , Loetthanaphan Sitthivich , Wanichanan Sangdad , Myint Ye Moe , Phanomchoeng Gridsada , Chancharoen Ratchatin , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Saadi Muhammad , Wijayasekara Sanika K.
Published: July 2020

During the last decade, agricultural sector has witnessed a wide adoption of cutting edge technology not only to improve the quality and quantity of the crops but also to ease the labour burden. These technological oriented and innovative agricultural solutions have opened new horizons for opportunists, researchers and investors along with the creation and development of new markets. Robotic and automation technologies are now complementing farmers in various ways. In this paper, we present the mechanical and electrical design of multi-purpose agricultural robot which has the capabilities to move in three Cartesian coordinate axis along with the functionality of harvesting small sized fruits with the help of grippers. Our developed robot prototype can be controlled via remote control. Prototype testing results show that the developed robot can reach to the target by passing any small sized obstacle and harvest the fruit. We believe that such low cost, less complex and indigenously developed multipurpose agricultural robots can help farmers by reducing their labour cost and human effort.
Multi Frequency on RGB Lighting LED Driver Technique
Authors: Parnklang Jirawath , Phikunthong Lalita , Jantri Rawisara , Sukpasri Pichkanit
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we conducted RGB incident light intensity of the high power white lighting LED. The current control 50% duty cycle pulse signal source with appropriate semiconductor carrier frequency response are supply to the RGB white lighting LED. Although, the carrier relaxation time of the red blue and green light in the white lighting LED are not the same value which depend on the carrier different of the energy level. The measurement show that the lowest duty cycle appropriate pulse signal for only blue or UV base white LED give more relative light intensity than normal (low frequency) signal within 11%.
Detection of Defects on Single-Bead Welding by Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Barstugan Mucahid , Ceran Yavuz Selim , Yilmaz Musa , Dundar Niyazi Adem
Published: July 2020

This study classified the defects that were encountered on single-bead welding, which was made by MIG/MAG welding machines in Hürsan Press company. 2250 images were taken on weldings that were made by five different welders. This study classified defects into three classes as good welding, porosity, and discontinuities. The images in the dataset, which have three classes, were classified by two stages. In the first stage, the texture features of the welding area were extracted. In the second stage, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) method classified the extracted features. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and F-score metrics were used to measure the classification performance. 1500 images were used to train the system and training and validation performances were obtained as 94.03% and 94.19%, respectively. 750 images were used to test the performance of the proposed method and the test performance was obtained as 94.31%. The proposed method detected a defect on single-bead welding in 0.98 seconds.
Non-destructive Fertility Detection of Multiple Chicken Eggs Using Image Processing and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Koodtalang Wittaya , Sangsuwan Thaksin , Rerkratn Apinai
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a non-destructive fertility detection of multiple chicken eggs in incubation industry based on image processing technique and convolutional neural network (CNN). The aim of this research were to design and implement the system for simultaneously distinguish multi eggs infertility from fertility one. LED light source setting up for illumining the 48 eggs, consisting of both egg types and randomly placed on a tray in dark box. In addition, a pre-trained CNN is performed to classify fertile and infertile eggs. All eggs is captured and processed to extract a region of interest (ROI) for each egg, generating large ROI egg images dataset which used to train and test the CNN model. A designed system is programmed using Python, operating on Windown7-64bit supported by OpenCV and Keras. Experimental results showed the accuracies for fertile incubated eggs detection between day 7 and day 9 reaches 100%. Meanwhile, eggs location has 100% of accuracy is also observed. Hence, the proposed technique are high reliability, high accuracy system and suitable to use in real application.
Design and simulation of a novel MEMS based microfluidic circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection system for a lab on a chip device
Authors: Suriyage M P , Asanka P V K , Cooray T M G C S P , Liyanage D L F M , Pushpakumara R A N I , Hendavitharana D K , Fernando W W A T I , Sampath W H P , Amarasinghe Y W R
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a novel microfluidic system for a lab on a chip device which includes three major systems: a microchannel, micromixer and a droplet generator. The novel system proposes electroosmotic fluid flow control combining droplet generation and immunocapturing based CTC separation. ANSYS Fluent is used to optimize the fluid flow parameters, droplet size and justify the mixing capability of the micromixer. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations justify the integration of the electroosmotic fluid flow control for precise generation of droplets and optimization of dimensional parameters of microchannels, followed by a fabrication method for the microfluidic system.
Synthesis of a novel magnetic nano-zeolite and its application as an efficient heavy metal adsorbent
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Cheng Ting , Chen Chen , Wang Lei , Deng Qin , Chen Gang , Ye Chenhao
Published: July 2020

A novel magnetic nano-zeolite (MNZ@MS) is successfully synthesized, characterized and applied to adsorp heavy metals from solution. In the synthesis of MNZ@MS, the fly ash magnetic sphere (MS) and [C18H37 (CH3)2-N+-(CH2)3 -N+-(CH3)2C18H37] Cl2 is used as carrier and directing agent, respectively. The characterization results of XRD, XRF, XPS and SEM demonstrate that the nano-scale (200–600 nm) Linde F(K) zeolite completely wraps the magnetic spherical fly ash particle, and the saturation magnetization value of MNZ@MS is around 17.7 emu g−1. MNZ@MS exhibits a favorable and efficient adsorption performances on heavy metals, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu, Cd and Pb on MNZ@MS is 59.9 mg g−1, 188 .6 mg g−1 and 909.1 mg g−1, respectively. The higher pH value in solution is more conducive to the adsorption process of heavy metals on MNZ@MS. The adsorption is a fast process, well represented by the pseudo-second-order model. Concerning the equilibrium behavior, Langmuir isotherm model are more suitable for describing the adsorption. Furthermore, in competitive adsorption system, the adsorption process of Pb is the most difficult to be interfered, and the order of adsorption advantage is Pb>Cu>Cd. MNZ@MS may be applied as a low-cost and efficient magnetic adsorbent for wastewater treatment to remove heavy metals.
Baryon density extraction and isotropy analysis of cosmic microwave background using deep learning
Authors: Mishra Amit , Reddy Pranath , Nigam Rahul
Published: July 2020

The discovery of cosmic microwave background (CMB) was a paradigm shift in the study and fundamental understanding of the early Universe and also the Big Bang phenomenon. Cosmic microwave background is one of the richest and intriguing sources of information available to cosmologists and one parameter of special interest is baryon density of the Universe. Baryon density can be primarily estimated by analyzing CMB data or through the study of big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN). Hence, it is necessary that both of the results found through the two methods are in agreement with each other. Although there are some well established statistical methods for the analysis of CMB to estimate baryon density, here we explore the use of deep learning in this respect. We correlate the baryon density obtained from the power spectrum of simulated CMB temperature maps with the corresponding map image and form the dataset for training the neural network model. We analyze the accuracy with which the model is able to predict the results from a relatively abstract dataset considering the fact that CMB is a Gaussian random field. CMB is anisotropic due to temperature fluctuations at small scales but on a larger scale CMB is considered isotropic, here we analyze the isotropy of CMB by training the model with CMB maps centered at different galactic coordinates and compare the predictions of neural network models.
Fabrication and comparison of Heterojunction solar cells from CdS/PbS nanoparticles and CdS/PbS bulk
Authors: Mishra A K , Rana C , Saha S
Published: July 2020

PbS nanoparticles and CdS nanoparticles are grown by chemical methods. Also bulk PbS is grown by simple chemical methods without using any capping agent. The material formation is identified from XRD.TEM image shows the formation of different shaped PbS nanoparticles, CdS nanoparticles, and bulk PbS. Three different heterojunction solar cells are fabricated by CdS and PbS samples using a spin coating technique. Finally, gold is evaporated on PbS film. Current-voltage characteristics data for three heterojunction solar cells are taken under dark and illumination conditions. For each fabricated solar cell open-circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current density (ISC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency(

ῃ

) are measured. Finally, a comparison of the characteristics is done for different fabricated heterojunction solar cells.
Remote Anatomic Pathology Medical Student Education in Washington State
Authors: Parker Elizabeth U , Chang Oliver , Koch Lisa
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has halted in-person medical student education in many large academic centers, including the University of Washington. We identified a unique opportunity to bring comprehensive and targeted anatomic pathology training to large numbers of medical students who would not receive it otherwise but also need credited coursework.

Methods

We developed a comprehensive 2-week remote-learning course encompassing lectures, virtual slides, discussion groups, and unique case-based activities. Activities are tailored to the nonpathologist future clinician, emphasizing basic microscopy and pathology terminology. We employ multiple strategies and technologies to increase engagement while distance learning, including screen annotation, “flipped classroom” slide presentations, and repetition of common themes.

Results

Given 13 virtual courses to choose between 13% of students enrolled in our course (70 of our 540 rising third- and fourth-year students), a nearly 10-fold increase in average pathology rotators.

Conclusions

This is an unprecedented opportunity to provide tailored anatomic pathology instruction, both helping our medical students continue training during crisis and illuminating the field of pathology for our future colleagues. Preliminary results have been overwhelmingly positive regarding understanding of pathology concepts as well as attitudes toward pathology.
Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of the Automated Elecsys Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assay on the Roche cobas e602 Analyzer
Authors: Chan Clarence W , Parker Kyle , Tesic Vera , Baldwin Angel , Tang Nga Yeung , van Wijk Xander M R , Yeo Kiang-Teck J
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of the automated Elecsys anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody (Elecsys Ab) assay on the Roche cobas e602 analyzer. With the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, widespread and routine serologic testing of SARS-CoV-2 remains a pressing need. To better understand its epidemiologic spread and to support policies aimed at curtailing further infections, reliable serologic testing is crucial for providing insight into the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 on a population level.

Methods

The presence of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in polymerase chain reaction–positive, confirmed COVID-19 patient samples was determined using the Elecsys Ab assay on the Roche cobas e602 analyzer. The precision and cross-reactivity of the Elecsys Ab assay were characterized and its performance was compared against the EuroImmun IgA/IgG antibody (EuroImmun Ab) assay. Calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were assessed.

Results

The Elecsys Ab assay demonstrated good precision, had no cross-reactivity with other viral samples, and showed 100% concordance with the EuroImmun Ab assay. Excellent clinical performance with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values was observed.

Conclusions

The Elecsys Ab assay is a precise and highly reliable automated platform for clinical detection of seropositivity in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Evidence for Increased Susceptibility to Breast Cancer From Exposure to Ionizing Radiation Due to a Familial History of Breast Cancer: Results From the Swedish Hemangioma Cohort
Authors: Eidemüller Markus , Holmberg Erik , Lundell Marie , Karlsson Per
Published: July 2020

Women with a history of breast cancer among family members are at increased risk for breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether a familial breast cancer history (FBCH) also increases individual susceptibility to breast cancer from radiation exposure. In this cohort study, 17,200 female Swedish hemangioma patients with 1,079 breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1958 and 2013, exposed to ionizing radiation in infancy, were linked to their first-degree relatives. The association between FBCH and radiation-induced breast cancer risk was assessed. Further, the relevance for breast cancer radiotherapy and mammography screening was evaluated. On average, the radiation-induced excess relative risk and excess absolute risk of breast cancer at age 50 years were 0.51 Gy−1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33, 0.71) and 10.8 cases/10,000 person-years/Gy (95% CI: 7.0, 14.6), respectively. Radiation risk was higher by a factor of 2.7 (95% CI: 1.0, 4.8; P = 0.05) if 1 first-degree relative was affected by breast cancer. For whole-breast standard radiotherapy at age 40 years with a contralateral breast dose of 0.72 Gy, the 20-year radiation-related excess risk of contralateral breast cancer was estimated to increase from 0.6% for women without FBCH to 1.7% for women with FBCH. In a biennial mammography screening program at ages 40–74 years, radiation risk up to age 80 years would increase from 0.11% for women without FBCH to 0.29% for women with FBCH.
Individual and Neighborhood Factors Associated With Failure to Vaccinate Against Influenza During Pregnancy
Authors: Zerbo Ousseny , Ray G Thomas , Zhang Lea , Goddard Kristin , Fireman Bruce , Adams Alyce , Omer Saad , Kulldorff Martin , Klein Nicola P
Published: July 2020

Uptake of influenza vaccine among pregnant women remains low. We investigated whether unvaccinated pregnant women were clustered geographically and determined factors associated with failure to vaccinate using spatial and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Pregnant women who were members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California in 2015 or 2016 were included in the study. More than half (53%) of the 77,607 included pregnant women were unvaccinated. Spatial analysis identified 5 clusters with a high prevalence of unvaccinated pregnant women. The proportion of unvaccinated women ranged from 57% to 75% within clusters as compared with 51% outside clusters. In covariate-adjusted analyses, residence in a cluster was associated with a 41% increase in the odds of being unvaccinated (odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36, 1.46). The odds of being unvaccinated were greater for Black women (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.49, 1.69), Hispanic women (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.25), women with subsidized health insurance (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.24), women with fewer than 5 prenatal-care visits (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.60, 2.16), and neighborhoods with a high deprivation index (fourth quartile vs. first: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.21). In conclusion, unvaccinated pregnant women were clustered geographically and by key sociodemographic factors. These findings suggest that interventions to increase influenza vaccine coverage among pregnant women are needed, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The Population-Attributable Fraction for Premature Mortality Due to Cardiovascular Disease Associated With Stage 1 and 2 Hypertension Among Japanese
Authors: Hatano Yu , Yano Yuichiro , Fujimoto Shouichi , Sato Yuji , Iseki Kunitoshi , Konta Tsuneo , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Narita Ichiei , Kondo Masahide , Kasahara Masato , Shibagaki Yugo , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to assess how the population-attributable fraction (PAF) for premature mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with hypertension changes if blood pressure (BP) thresholds for hypertension were lowered from systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/90 mm Hg to ≥130/80 mm Hg, as defined using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure guideline.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted using a database of participants who underwent a national health checkup examination started in 2008 in Japan (n = 510,238; mean age, 59.6 ± 8.1 years; 42% men). Each participant was categorized as having normal or elevated BP, or stage 1 or 2 hypertension according to the guideline. Data on premature mortality due to CVD occurring before age 70 years were available through March 2015.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years, 739 deaths from CVD occurred. After multivariable adjustment, hazard ratios for premature CVD mortality for elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension vs. normal BP were 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.72, 1.44), 1.33 (1.02, 1.75), and 2.41 (1.90, 3.05), respectively. The PAF associated with stage 1 and 2 hypertension was 4.4% and 39.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current nationwide study of Japanese adults, stage 1 and 2 hypertension were associated with an increased risk for premature CVD mortality. The PAF for premature CVD mortality associated with hypertension increased by 4.4% if BP thresholds for hypertension were lowered from systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/90 to ≥130/80 mm Hg.
Bird migration within the Neotropics
Authors: Jahn Alex E , Cueto Víctor R , Fontana Carla S , Guaraldo André C , Levey Douglas J , Marra Peter P , Ryder Thomas B
Published: July 2020

Although the migration ecology of birds breeding in the Neotropics is still poorly studied relative to that of their counterparts breeding at north-temperate latitudes, studies conducted over the last 2 decades have revealed that migration in the Neotropics is much more common and diverse than previously thought. These studies have identified dozens of species that migrate latitudinally within South America, altitudinally within various mountain ranges, to and between Caribbean islands, and longitudinally across diverse ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest. Advances in miniaturized tracking technologies, enormous citizen science databases, and powerful analytical approaches provide an unprecedented ability to detect and evaluate temporally and spatially fine-scale patterns, greatly facilitating the study of migratory patterns across tropical regions. We argue that a renewed effort in research on short- and long-distance bird migration within the Neotropics will allow (1) comparative studies that identify the emergent properties of migratory behavior, (2) identification of the convergent or unique mechanistic drivers of migration across diverse ecological settings, (3) formulation of effective conservation and management plans for migratory Neotropical birds, and (4) predictions about how migratory birds will respond to large-scale climatic changes within the Neotropics. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on Neotropical bird migration, with a focus on South America. We specifically examine similarities and differences in the observed migratory patterns of birds that breed in the Nearctic compared to the Neotropics and highlight key future research questions.
Cortical disinhibition in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ammann Claudia , Dileone Michele , Pagge Cristina , Catanzaro Valentina , Mata-Marín David , Hernández-Fernández Frida , Monje Mariana H G , Sánchez-Ferro Álvaro , Fernández-Rodríguez Beatriz , Gasca-Salas Carmen , Máñez-Miró Jorge U , Martínez-Fernández Raul , Vela-Desojo Lydia , Alonso-Frech Fernando , Oliviero Antonio , Obeso José A , Foffani Guglielmo
Published: July 2020

In Parkinson’s disease, striatal dopamine depletion produces profound alterations in the neural activity of the cortico-basal ganglia motor loop, leading to dysfunctional motor output and parkinsonism. A key regulator of motor output is the balance between excitation and inhibition in the primary motor cortex, which can be assessed in humans with transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques. Despite decades of research, the functional state of cortical inhibition in Parkinson’s disease remains uncertain. Towards resolving this issue, we applied paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols in 166 patients with Parkinson’s disease (57 levodopa-naïve, 50 non-dyskinetic, 59 dyskinetic) and 40 healthy controls (age-matched with the levodopa-naïve group). All patients were studied OFF medication. All analyses were performed with fully automatic procedures to avoid confirmation bias, and we systematically considered and excluded several potential confounding factors such as age, gender, resting motor threshold, EMG background activity and amplitude of the motor evoked potential elicited by the single-pulse test stimuli. Our results show that short-interval intracortical inhibition is decreased in Parkinson’s disease compared to controls. This reduction of intracortical inhibition was obtained with relatively low-intensity conditioning stimuli (80% of the resting motor threshold) and was not associated with any significant increase in short-interval intracortical facilitation or intracortical facilitation with the same low-intensity conditioning stimuli, supporting the involvement of cortical inhibitory circuits. Short-interval intracortical inhibition was similarly reduced in levodopa-naïve, non-dyskinetic and dyskinetic patients. Importantly, intracortical inhibition was reduced compared to control subjects also on the less affected side (n = 145), even in de novo drug-naïve patients in whom the less affected side was minimally symptomatic (lateralized Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III = 0 or 1, n = 23). These results suggest that cortical disinhibition is a very early, possibly prodromal feature of Parkinson’s disease.
Vaccination Status of Alaska Native Persons With Hepatitis A Virus Infection—Alaska, 1996–2018
Authors: Plumb Ian D , Gounder Prabhu P , Nolen Leisha D , Massay Stephanie C , Castrodale Louisa , McLaughlin Joseph , Snowball Mary , Homan Chriss , Nelson Noele P , Singleton Rosalyn , Bruce Michael G , McMahon Brian J
Published: July 2020

Following increases in reported cases of hepatitis A, we assessed the impact of hepatitis A vaccine in Alaska Native persons. During 1996–2018, only 6 cases of hepatitis A were identified, all in unvaccinated adults. Populations can be protected against hepatitis A by achieving sufficient vaccination coverage over time.
Against Medical Advice Discharges in Injection and Non-injection Drug Use-associated Infective Endocarditis: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kimmel Simeon D , Kim June-Ho , Kalesan Bindu , Samet Jeffrey H , Walley Alexander Y , Larochelle Marc R
Published: July 2020

Background

Among those with injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis (IDU-IE), against medical advice (AMA) discharge is common and linked to adverse outcomes. Understanding trends, risk factors, and timing is needed to reduce IDU-IE AMA discharges.

Methods

We identified individuals ages 18–64 with International Classification of Diseases, 9thRevision, diagnosis codes for infective endocarditis (IE) in the National Inpatient Sample, a representative sample of United States hospitalizations from January 2010 to September 2015. We plotted unadjusted quarter-year trends for AMA discharges and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with AMA discharge among IE hospitalizations, comparing IDU-IE with non-IDU-IE.

Results

We identified 7259 IDU-IE and 23 633 non-IDU-IE hospitalizations. Of these hospitalizations, 14.2% of IDU-IE and 1.9% of non-IDU-IE resulted in AMA discharges. More than 30% of AMA discharges for both groups occurred before hospital day 3. In adjusted models, IDU status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.43–4.48)] was associated with increased odds of AMA discharge. Among IDU-IE, women (AOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04–1.41) and Hispanics (AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.69) had increased odds of AMA discharge, which differed from non-IDU-IE. Over nearly 6 years, odds of AMA discharge increased 12% per year for IDU-IE (AOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07–1.18) and 6% per year for non-IDU-IE (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI. 1.00–1.13).

Conclusions

AMA discharges have risen among individuals with IDU-IE and non-IDE-IE. Among those who inject drugs, AMA discharges were more common and increases sharper. Efforts that address the rising fraction, disparities, and timing of IDU-IE AMA discharges are needed.
Anti-cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G Is Linked to CD4 T-cell Count Decay in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Elite Controllers
Authors: Isnard Stephane , Ramendra Rayoun , Lin John , Kant Sanket , Fombuena Brandon , Ouyang Jing , Peng Xiaorong , El Far Mohamed , Tremblay Cécile , Bernard Nicole F , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2020

Elite controllers (ECs) are people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who spontaneously control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy. We observed that elevated anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels correlated with annual CD4 T-cell count decay in ECs independently of age, sex, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. Elevated anti-CMV titers may favor disease progression in ECs.
Masking by hypokalemia—primary aldosteronism with undetectable aldosterone
Authors: Boyle Rebecca A , Baker Jessica E , Charu Vivek , Rainey William E , Bhalla Vivek
Published: July 2020

Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension; however, the dynamic regulation of aldosterone by potassium is less well studied and current diagnostic recommendations are imprecise. We describe a young man who presented with resistant hypertension and severe hypokalemia. The workup initially revealed undetectable aldosterone despite acute potassium repletion. Chronic potassium supplementation eventually uncovered hyperaldosteronism. In situ genetic studies revealed a gain-of-function KCNJ5 mutation within an aldosterone-producing adenoma that was clinically responsive to changes in extracellular potassium. We highlight a unique presentation of Conn’s syndrome and discuss the implications for the molecular mechanisms of potassium regulation of aldosterone.
Ordinary Affects and Spectrality in Three Works: Carole Giangrande’sMidsummer, Brenda Missen’sTell Anna She’s Safe, and Andrea Thompson’sOver Our Heads
Authors: Caporale-Bizzini Silvia
Published: July 2020

Scholars such as Kathleen Stewart and Lauren Berlant have pointed out that neoliberalism stresses the social benefits of individual precariousness for the sake of profit and fosters a sense of personal crisis. In the three contemporary novels I examine, such feelings of crisis permeate the characters’ lives. I build on the concepts of the unexpected and spectrality to analyze Carole Giangrande’s Midsummer (2014), Brenda Missen’s Tell Anna She’s Safe (2011), and Andrea Thompson’s Over Our Heads (2014). These three novels share similar themes: in each, as the result of an unexpected event, specters from the past interact with the present – thereby forcing the central characters to question their beliefs, rethink their ideas about what constitutes a good life, and start a journey of personal discovery.
People are essential to linking biodiversity data
Authors: Groom Quentin , Güntsch Anton , Huybrechts Pieter , Kearney Nicole , Leachman Siobhan , Nicolson Nicky , Page Roderic D M , Shorthouse David P , Thessen Anne E , Haston Elspeth
Published: July 2020

People are one of the best known and most stable entities in the biodiversity knowledge graph. The wealth of public information associated with people and the ability to identify them uniquely open up the possibility to make more use of these data in biodiversity science. Person data are almost always associated with entities such as specimens, molecular sequences, taxonomic names, observations, images, traits and publications. For example, the digitization and the aggregation of specimen data from museums and herbaria allow us to view a scientist’s specimen collecting in conjunction with the whole corpus of their works. However, the metadata of these entities are also useful in validating data, integrating data across collections and institutional databases and can be the basis of future research into biodiversity and science. In addition, the ability to reliably credit collectors for their work has the potential to change the incentive structure to promote improved curation and maintenance of natural history collections.
Comparative Studies of Reproductive Diapause in North American Populations of ThreeHippodamiaSpecies (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Obrycki John J
Published: July 2020

Quantifying responses of three congeneric species of lady beetles, Hippodamia parenthesis (Say), Hippodamia convergens (Guerin), and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), to abiotic factors that influence their seasonal biology provides an understanding of the phenology of these species in North America. The developmental response and the induction and duration of adult hibernal diapause in four North American populations of H. parenthesis, collected between 40° N and 44° N latitude, was determined when beetles were reared at four photoperiods (L:D 16:8, 14:10, 12;12, and 10:14) at 22°C. Preimaginal development of the four H. parenthesis populations reared at the photoperiods was affected by population, photoperiod, and the interaction between population and photoperiod. Fifteen to 19% of H. parenthesis females reared at L:D 16:8 entered diapause, whereas shorter photoperiods (L:D 12:12 and 10:14) induced diapause in all females. Variation in response to L:D 14:10 was observed among the four populations of H. parenthesis, similar to the response observed in H. convergens and H. variegata. In contrast to the response of H. parenthesis females, in which four individuals oviposited at L:D 12:12 or 10:14 within 120 d, the duration of reproductive diapause in H. convergens and H. variegata females at L:D 12:12 and 10:14 showed a prolonged quantitative response to photoperiod. Comparisons of the responses (days to first oviposition) to photoperiod of H. parenthesis and H. variegata from the same collection sites showed significant differences at most photoperiods. Similarly, responses at all photoperiods varied between H. parenthesis and H. convergens from similar latitudes in Iowa.
Impact of the ablation technique on release of the neuronal injury marker S100B during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Scherschel Katharina , Hedenus Katja , Jungen Christiane , Münkler Paula , Willems Stephan , Anwar Omar , Klatt Niklas , Eickholt Christian , Meyer Christian
Published: July 2020

Aims

S100B, a well-known damage-associated molecular pattern protein is released acutely by central and peripheral nerves and upon concomitant denervation in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We aimed to investigate whether the ablation technique used for PVI impacts S100B release in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

The study population consisted of 73 consecutive patients (age: 62.7 ± 10.9 years, 54.8% males) undergoing first-time PVI with either radiofrequency (RF; n = 30) or cryoballoon (CB; n = 43) for paroxysmal AF. S100B determined from venous plasma samples taken immediately before and after PVI increased from 33.5 ± 1.8 to 91.1 ± 5.3 pg/mL (P < 0.0001). S100B release in patients undergoing CB-PVI was 3.9 times higher compared to patients with RF-PVI (ΔS100B: 21.1 ± 2.7 vs. 83.1 ± 5.2  pg/mL, P < 0.0001). During a mean follow-up of 314 ± 186 days, AF recurrences were observed in 18/71 (25.4%) patients (RF-PVI: n = 9/28, CB-PVI: n = 9/43). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that an increase in S100B was associated with higher freedom from AF in follow-up (hazard ratio per 10  pg/mL release of S100B: 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.95; P = 0.007).

Conclusion

The ablation technique used for PVI has an impact on the release of S100B, a well-established biomarker for neural damage.