bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific Collaboration with Educators: Practical Insights from an in‐Class Noise‐Reduction Intervention
Authors: Massonnié Jessica , Frasseto Philippe , Mareschal Denis , Kirkham Natasha Z.
Published: March 2020

Moving the field of Mind, Brain, and Education forward requires researchers and educators to reframe the boundaries of their own discipline in order to create knowledge that is both scientifically based, and of practical relevance for education. We believe that this could be done by co‐constructing research projects from the start. We present a case study of a noise‐reduction intervention in elementary classrooms, in which teachers and researchers worked together from the onset of study design. We examine the processes behind: (1) selecting research questions and measures, (2) planning interventions, (3) receiving ethical approval and funding, (4) recruiting schools, and (5) collecting data. At each step, our study provides suggestions for future collaborative efforts, keeping in mind broader theoretical and methodological implications. We believe that our concrete examples and suggestions will be useful for beginning and confirmed researchers, as well as teachers aiming to know more about research projects.
Testing of the Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice Survey
Authors: Crawford Cecelia L. , Rondinelli June , Zuniga Stephen , Valdez Regina M. , Cullen Laura , Hanrahan Kirsten , Titler Marita G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Clinicians’ knowledge and skills for evidence‐based practice (EBP) and organizational climate are important for science‐based care. There is scant literature regarding aligning organizational culture with EBP implementation and even less for unit and organizational culture. The Nursing EBP Survey examines individual, unit, and organizational factors to better understand registered nurses’ (RN) self‐reported EBP.

Aims

Establish and confirm factor loading, reliability, and discriminant validity for the untested Nursing EBP Survey.

Methods

The study employed a descriptive cross‐sectional survey design and was targeted for RNs. The setting included 14 hospitals and 680 medical offices in Southern California. The 1999 instrument consisted of 22 items; 7 items were added in 2005 for 29 items. The questionnaire used a 5 point, Likert‐type scale. The survey website opened in November 2016 and closed after 23 weeks. Psychometric testing and factor determination used parallel analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and ANOVA post hoc comparisons.

Results

One thousand one hundred and eighty‐one RNs completed the survey. All factor loadings in the CFA model were positive and significant (p < .001). All standardized loadings ranged from .70 to .94. The covariance estimate between Factor 1 and Factor 2 was marginally significant (p = .07). All other covariances and error variances were significant (p < .001). Final factor names were Practice Climate (Factor 1), Data Collection (Factor 2), Evidence Appraisal (Factor 3), Implementation (Factor 4), and Access to Evidence (Factor 5). Four of 5 factors showed significant differences between education levels (p < .05 level). All factors showed significant differences (p < .05) between inpatient and ambulatory staff, with higher scores for inpatient settings.

Linking Evidence to Action

Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills for EBP vary. The 2019 Nursing EBP survey offers RNs direction to plan and support improvement in evidence‐based outcomes and tailors future EBP initiatives.
Failure of Porous Metals Based on Strain Energy Density Criterion
Authors: Elruby A. Y. , Nakhla Sam
Published: March 2020

Porosity in metals is well known to influence the mechanical behavior, namely, the elastic response, the plastic behavior, and the material loading capacity. The main focus of the current work is to investigate the failure of porous metals. Extensive literature search was conducted to identify failure mechanisms associated with the increase of porosity for up to 15% by volume. Consequently, micromechanical modeling is utilized to investigate the damage process at microlengths. Finally, a complete macromechanical modeling approach is proposed for specimen-sized models. The approach utilizes the extended Ramberg–Osgood relationship for the elastoplastic behavior, while the failure is predicted using a strain energy-based failure criterion capturing the effect of porosity. The proposed approach is validated against several testing results for different metals at various porosity levels.
Roaring and repetition: How bowhead whales adjust their call density and source level (Lombard effect) in the presence of natural and seismic airgun survey noise
Authors: Thode Aaron M. , Blackwell Susanna B. , Conrad Alexander S. , Kim Katherine H. , Marques Tiago , Thomas Len , Oedekoven Cornelia S. , Harris Danielle , Bröker Koen
Published: March 2020

Over 500 000 automated and manual acoustic localizations, measured over seven years between 2008 and 2014, were used to examine how natural wind-driven noise and anthropogenic seismic airgun survey noise influence bowhead whale call densities (calls/km2/min) and source levels during their fall migration in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Noise masking effects, which confound measurements of behavioral changes, were removed using a modified point transect theory. The authors found that mean call densities generally rose with increasing continuous wind-driven noise levels. The occurrence of weak airgun pulse sounds also prompted an increase in call density equivalent to a 10–15 dB change in natural noise level, but call density then dropped substantially with increasing cumulative sound exposure level (cSEL) from received airgun pulses. At low in-band noise levels the mean source level of the acoustically-active population changed to nearly perfectly compensate for noise increases, but as noise levels increased further the mean source level failed to keep pace, reducing the population's communication space. An increase of >40 dB cSEL from seismic airgun activity led to an increase in source levels of just a few decibels. These results have implications for bowhead acoustic density estimation, and evaluations of the masking impacts of anthropogenic noise.
Simulating intracochlear electrocochleography with a combined model of acoustic hearing and electric current spread in the cochlea
Authors: van Gendt Margriet J. , Koka Kanthaiah , Kalkman Randy K. , Stronks H. Christiaan , Briaire Jeroen J. , Litvak Leonid , Frijns Johan H. M.
Published: March 2020

Intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) is a potential tool for the assessment of residual hearing in cochlear implant users during implantation and acoustical tuning postoperatively. It is, however, unclear how these ECochG recordings from different locations in the cochlea depend on the stimulus parameters, cochlear morphology, implant design, or hair cell degeneration. In this paper, a model is presented that simulates intracochlear ECochG recordings by combining two existing models, namely a peripheral one that simulates hair cell activation and a three-dimensional (3D) volume-conduction model of the current spread in the cochlea. The outcomes were compared to actual ECochG recordings from subjects with a cochlear implant (CI). The 3D volume conduction simulations showed that the intracochlear ECochG is a local measure of activation. Simulations showed that increasing stimulus frequency resulted in a basal shift of the peak cochlear microphonic (CM) amplitude. Increasing the stimulus level resulted in wider tuning curves as recorded along the array. Simulations with hair cell degeneration resulted in ECochG responses that resembled the recordings from the two subjects in terms of CM onset responses, higher harmonics, and the width of the tuning curve. It was concluded that the model reproduced the patterns seen in intracochlear hair cell responses recorded from CI-subjects.
Accuracy of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Test for Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Children
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Delogu Giovanni , Perricone Clelia , Grossi Roberta , Careddu Angela , De Maio Flavio , Palucci Ivana , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Valentini Piero , Sali Michela
Published: March 2020

Compared to its predecessor QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-IT), QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) contains an additional antigen tube (TB2), stimulating both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells. The ability to discriminate CD4
+
and CD8
+
responses is suggested to be useful in differentiating stages of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection. While QFT-Plus has already been evaluated in adults, there are not enough data in children evaluated for suspected active tuberculosis (TB) or latent TB infection (LTBI).
CRISPR Tools To Control Gene Expression in Bacteria
Authors: Vigouroux Antoine , Bikard David
Published: March 2020

CRISPR-Cas systems have been engineered as powerful tools to control gene expression in bacteria. The most common strategy relies on the use of Cas effectors modified to bind target DNA without introducing DNA breaks. These effectors can either block the RNA polymerase or recruit it through activation domains. Here, we discuss the mechanistic details of how Cas effectors can modulate gene expression by blocking transcription initiation or acting as transcription roadblocks. CRISPR-Cas tools can be further engineered to obtain fine-tuned control of gene expression or target multiple genes simultaneously.
Non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia: are we missing the diagnosis?
Authors: Lee Yi Lin , Pang Siying , Ong Caroline
Published: March 2020

Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to hyperammonaemia is a known complication of chronic liver disease. In contrast, non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia is a lesser-known entity that should be considered in a patient with acute encephalopathy as part of the diagnostic workup as prompt identification can help to avoid complications such as seizures and cerebral oedema. We present a case of a middle-aged woman who presented electively for a total pancreatectomy–duodenectomy with splenectomy, hepatico-jejunostomy, gastro-jejunostomy and developed encephalopathy on postoperative day 10 due to non-cirrhotic hyperammonaemia.
Monorail microsnare retrieval of cardiac microcatheter tip embolised to the middle cerebral artery after attempted cardiac ablation procedure
Authors: Young Michael , Johnson Ryan , Farhat Hamad
Published: March 2020

We present a case of a 52-year-old man with previous mitral valve replacement who presented to an outside hospital for planned cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation. During the procedure, while advancing the microcatheter across the mitral valve, the microcatheter was sheared embolising into the right middle cerebral artery. This retained cardiac microcatheter tip was successfully retrieved with the monorail microsnare technique. The patient made a complete recovery without any neurological deficits or evidence of infarct on follow-up imaging.
Admission to hospital in the UK at a weekend does not influence the prognosis of adults with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Lawrence Hannah , McKeever Tricia M , Lim Wei Shen
Published: March 2020

Outcomes for adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admitted to hospital at the weekend were compared with those admitted during weekdays using data from the British Thoracic Society national CAP audits. Of 31 400 cases, 40.7% were weekend admissions; these patients were older (mean age 72 vs 71.3 years, p=0.001) and more likely to have high severity CAP (28.9% vs 27.1%, p trend 0.003) but had slightly lower adjusted 30-day inpatient mortality (aOR 0.94 95% CI 0.88 to 1.01) compared with those admitted during weekdays. More patients in the weekend group received antibiotics within 4 hours of admission (70.3% vs 68.7%, aOR 1.07 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12). We did not observe increased mortality for adults admitted at the weekend with CAP.
Management of thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma: a 13-year experience
Authors: Chui Chan Hon , Lee Anselm
Published: March 2020

Background

Thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma is a unique surgical challenge. We reviewed our experience focusing on disease patterns and corresponding surgical approaches.

Methods

Among 310 patients in our neuroblastoma database, 30 (9.7%) had thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma. Patients’ clinical charts were reviewed and analyzed. Two disease patterns were identified: solitary thoracoabdominal tumor (group A, n=15) and multifocal tumors in thorax and abdomen (group B, n=15). Operative approaches were categorized based on routes of surgical access.

Results

Thirty patients with average age of 4.1 (range 0.8–12.8) years were studied. All received preoperative chemotherapy. Among 15 group A patients, four were stage 3 intermediate risk (IR) and 11 were stage 4 high risk (HR). Surgical approaches included single-incision thoracoabdominal approach (n=10), laparotomy-cum-transdiaphragmatic approach (n=3), and laparotomy-cum-thoracotomy approach (n=2). One patient had 10% residual disease and the rest achieved gross total resection. Postoperative complications included chylous ascites (n=3), intestinal obstruction (n=3), pneumonia (n=1), spinal cord infarction (n=1) scoliosis (n=2) and thoracoabdominal nerves palsy (n=3). Among 15 group B patients, all were stage 4 with five IR and 10 HR. Thoracic components were found in the posterior mediastinum (n=7), superior mediastinum (n=4), middle mediastinum (n=1), parietal pleura (n=3) and lungs (n=3). Surgical approaches included multi-incision laparotomy-cum-thoracotomy (n=14) and laparotomy-cum-transdiaphragmatic approach (n=1). Gross total resection was achieved in all surgeries. Postoperative complications included chylous ascites (n=3). Overall, all nine IR patients survived without evidence of disease and 9 (42.8%) HR patients died of disease. There was no perioperative mortality.

Conclusion

Surgical resection of thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma is feasible and safe. Despite its complexity, thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma has comparable treatment outcomes when compared with single-compartmental disease.
The role of the phase shift of fine particles on debris flow behavior: an numerical simulation for a debris flow in Illgraben, Switzerland
Authors: Uchida Taro , Nishiguchi Yuki , McArdell Brian W. , Satofuka Yoshifumi
Published: March 2020

Physically based numerical simulation models have been developed to predict hazard area relating to debris flows. Since fine sediments are expected to behave as a part of the fluid rather than solid phase in stony debris flows, several models have recently included this process of the phase shift from solid to fluid in the context of fine sediment. However, models have not been fully tested regarding the ability to reproduce a variety of debris flow characteristics. We therefore tested (i) applicability of a numerical simulation model for describing debris flow characteristics and (ii) the effect of phase shift of fine sediment on debris flow behaviors. Herein we applied a numerical simulation model to a well-documented dataset from the Illgraben debris flow observation station in Switzerland. Based on the stony debris flow concept, we physically modeled effects of the phase shift of sediment on transport capacity and flow resistance. We successfully reproduced the observed bulk density, erosion and deposition patterns, front velocity, and erosion rate, although we had to tune the ratio of fine sediment that behaves as a fluid. Considering the effects of the phase shift of sediments, we conclude that physically based numerical simulation models can describe a variety of debris flow behaviors.
Pollination of cycads in an urban environment
Authors: Martínez-Domínguez Lilí , Nicolalde-Morejón Fernando , Vergara-Silva Francisco , Stevenson Dennis Wm.
Published: March 2020

Research on urban systems has documented the contributions of cities as sites where insect pollinators undergo their life cycles, contributing to the reproduction of many groups of plants. However, reports of plants whose reproduction is assisted by specialist pollinators under conditions prevalent in cities are scarce. Cycads and insect pollinators are threatened mainly by loss and modification of their habitats. Here, we describe two cases in which cycad species from two genera distributed in Mexico (Ceratozamia tenuis (Dyer) D.W. Stev. & Vovides and Dioon edule Lindl.) reproduce and germinate successfully in urban areas, aided by insects, near their natural distribution areas. The plants examined were artificially planted in different gardens within the city of Xalapa-Enríquez. We found that specimens two genera of insect pollinators, Pharaxonotha sp. (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) on C. tenuis, and Parallocorynus sp., (Belidae: Oxycoryninae) on D. edule, can survive in cycad pollen strobili, maintaining ecological interactions as they would occur in wild, conserved environments. In addition, we found beetles in ovulate strobili during the pollen receptivity phase, which suggests that they effectively reach ovulate strobili with pollen from pollen strobili. Characterization of this gymnosperm–beetle pollination system, which is unexpected in urban areas due the effects of human disturbance on insect communities, could promote new conservation biology research on flagship species in environments and landscapes shaped by anthropogenic impacts.
Enhancing plant quality and outplanting growth ofAcacia auriculiformisin dry wasteland plantations by inoculating a selected microbial consortium in the nursery
Authors: Raghu H.B. , Ashwin R. , Ravi J.E. , Bagyaraj D.J.
Published: March 2020

In this study, the performance of a selected microbial consortium (Scutellospora calospora + Azotobacter chroococcum + Bacillus coagulans + Trichoderma harzianum) on Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. was evaluated through large-scale nursery trials at three locations in the Mandya district of Karnataka state, India. At each location, 500 inoculated and 500 uninoculated seedlings were cultivated. The increase in plant dry biomass of inoculated plants was 31% (mean of three locations) compared with uninoculated plants. The seedlings inoculated with microbial consortium under large-scale nursery trials were planted in wasteland at three locations, and their growth was monitored for nearly 6 years. At the end of the study, field growth of inoculated trees, measured as the biovolume index, was 52% higher than that of uninoculated trees. This study shows that the selected microbial consortium enhances nursery quality and midterm field growth of Acacia auriculiformis plantations on dry wasteland.
Effects of magnetic field on the radiation pressure-dominated discs around neutron stars
Authors: Bhattacharjee Snehasish
Published: March 2020

We supplement the analytic solution obtained by [O. M. Matthews et al., Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 356, 66 (2005)] to investigate the steady-state structure of radiation pressure-dominated disc under the influence of a stellar magnetic field which deploys a torque. The solutions converge to the non-magnetic [N. I. Shakura and R. A. Sunyaev, Astron. Astrophys. 24, 337 (1973)] form when magnetic field of the star tends to zero and also at large radii. Effects of varying the mass accretion rates and the spin period of a typical neutron star on the disc parameters are presented. We further report that the presence of a magnetic correction term k reduces the radial extent upto which radiation pressure and electron scattering continue to be the major source of pressure and opacity, respectively. We also report that magnetic effects amplify the viscous timescale several times in the inner disc.
Optically transparent metamaterial absorber based on Jerusalem cross structure at S-band frequencies
Authors: Tang Yibo , He Longhui , Liu Anfeng , Xiong Cuixiu , Xu Hui
Published: March 2020

An optically transparent metamaterial absorber (MMA) has been demonstrated numerically and experimentally at the S-band. The designed MMA is composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), indium-tin-oxide (ITO) attached to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and numerically provides effective absorption with reflection loss lower than −10 dB in the frequency range of 1.85–4.65 GHz. Experimental measurement shows the reflection loss of the proposed MMA is better than −10 dB from 2.00 GHz to 4.25 GHz, which agrees pretty well with the simulated results. Distributions of surface current, electromagnetic field and power loss density for the designed MMA are systematically investigated to explain microwave attenuation characteristic and loss mechanisms. More importantly, the prepared sample exhibits an optical transparency above 68% in the whole visible band, thus realizing a wide range of applications, such as optically transparent S-band absorbers.
A low power trimming-free CMOS relaxation oscillator with process and temperature compensation
Authors: Wang Yao , Yao Mengmeng , Wu Zhaolei , Sun Lijun , Liou Juin Jei
Published: March 2020

The design of a 22 KHz 358 nW CMOS relaxation oscillator with a process and temperature compensation scheme is presented. Instead of the commonly used RC time constant, the oscillation period of the proposed circuit is determined by the resistance ratio of several resistors, which is insensitive to process and temperature variations. The on-chip relaxation oscillator is simulated in a 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS process. Without any calibration or off-chip components, the frequency variation of the proposed oscillator is ±[Formula: see text]3.24% across [Formula: see text] to 100[Formula: see text]C temperature range and 5 different process corners. Compared to the conventional relaxation oscillator, the frequency variation of this circuit is reduced by 89%. The simulated temperature coefficient is 111 ppm/[Formula: see text]C, and the frequency variation over the supply voltage from 1.2 V to 1.7 V is 2.1%/V. The typical power consumption of the proposed circuit is 358 nW.
Study on adjacent spectrum of two kinds of joins of graphs
Authors: Hou Yongbo , Dai Meifeng , Dai Changxi , Ju Tingting , Sun Yu , Su Weiyi
Published: March 2020

The multiple subdivision graph of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the graph obtained by inserting [Formula: see text] paths of length 2 replacing every edge of [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the subdivision graph of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] edges, [Formula: see text] be a graph with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] edges. The quasi-corona SG-vertex join [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the graph obtained from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] copies of [Formula: see text] by joining every vertex of [Formula: see text] to every vertex of [Formula: see text], and multiple SG-vertex join [Formula: see text] is the graph obtained from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by joining every vertex of [Formula: see text] to every vertex of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we calculate analytic expression of characteristic polynomial of adjacency matrix of the above two types of joins of graphs for the case of [Formula: see text] being a regular graph. Then we obtain their adjacency spectra for the case of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being regular graphs.
Control of high-order harmonics from H2+ and D2+ for producing intense single attosecond pulse
Authors: Feng Liqiang , Mccain John
Published: March 2020

Generally, the intensities of molecular high-order harmonic spectra from [Formula: see text] and its isotope molecules are quite different due to the effect of nuclear signals. Thus, in this paper, we investigate the change law of harmonic spectra from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] driven by different laser fields and try to find the optimal harmonic spectra for producing intense single attosecond pulses (SAPs). The results show that in lower laser intensity case, the harmonic yield follows as [Formula: see text]; while, in higher laser intensity case, the harmonic yield meets the condition of [Formula: see text]. Further, by using this change law of harmonic yield and choosing the optimal harmonic emission peak (HEP), we can obtain the intense spectral continuum with the assistance of the half-cycle pulse (HCP). Next, with the superposition of some harmonics on the spectral continuum, the intense SAPs shorter than 37 as can be obtained from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] harmonic spectra. Finally, the results show that the stronger attosecond signals can be obtained when the light nucleus or heavy nucleus molecules are driven by lower or higher laser intensities, respectively.
Single-Molecule Imaging of Protein Interactions and Dynamics
Authors: Luo Fang , Qin Gege , Xia Tie , Fang Xiaohong
Published: March 2020

Live-cell single-molecule fluorescence imaging has become a powerful analytical tool to investigate cellular processes that are not accessible to conventional biochemical approaches. This has greatly enriched our understanding of the behaviors of single biomolecules in their native environments and their roles in cellular events. Here, we review recent advances in fluorescence-based single-molecule bioimaging of proteins in living cells. We begin with practical considerations of the design of single-molecule fluorescence imaging experiments such as the choice of imaging modalities, fluorescent probes, and labeling methods. We then describe analytical observables from single-molecule data and the associated molecular parameters along with examples of live-cell single-molecule studies. Lastly, we discuss computational algorithms developed for single-molecule data analysis.
The Assembly of the First Massive Black Holes
Authors: Inayoshi Kohei , Visbal Eli , Haiman Zoltán
Published: March 2020

The existence of ∼109M⊙supermassive black holes (SMBHs) within the first billion years of the Universe has stimulated numerous ideas for the prompt formation and rapid growth of black holes (BHs) in the early Universe. Here, we review ways in which the seeds of massive BHs may have first assembled, how they may have subsequently grown as massive as ∼109M⊙, and how multimessenger observations could distinguish between different SMBH assembly scenarios. We conclude the following: ▪  The ultrarare ∼109M⊙SMBHs represent only the tip of the iceberg. Early BHs likely fill a continuum from the stellar-mass (∼10M⊙) to the supermassive (∼109) regimes, reflecting a range of initial masses and growth histories. ▪  Stellar-mass BHs were likely left behind by the first generation of stars at redshifts as high as ∼30, but their initial growth typically was stunted due to the shallow potential wells of their host galaxies. ▪  Conditions in some larger, metal-poor galaxies soon became conducive to the rapid formation and growth of massive seed holes, via gas accretion and by mergers in dense stellar clusters. ▪  BH masses depend on the environment (such as the number and properties of nearby radiation sources and the local baryonic streaming velocity) and on the metal enrichment and assembly history of the host galaxy. ▪  Distinguishing between assembly mechanisms will be difficult, but a combination of observations by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (probing massive BH growth via mergers) and by deep multiwavelength electromagnetic observations (probing growth via gas accretion) is particularly promising.
Positron Emission Particle Tracking of Granular Flows
Authors: Windows-Yule C.R.K. , Seville J.P.K. , Ingram A. , Parker D.J.
Published: March 2020

Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a noninvasive technique capable of imaging the three-dimensional dynamics of a wide variety of powders, particles, grains, and/or fluids. The PEPT technique can track the motion of particles with high temporal and spatial resolution and can be used to study various phenomena in systems spanning a broad range of scales, geometries, and physical states. We provide an introduction to the PEPT technique, an overview of its fundamental principles and operation, and a brief review of its application to a diverse range of scientific and industrial systems.
Covalent Organic Frameworks in Separation
Authors: Das Saikat , Feng Jie , Wang Wei
Published: March 2020

In the wake of sustainable development, materials research is going through a green revolution that is putting energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials and methods in the limelight. In this quest for greener alternatives, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a new generation of designable crystalline porous polymers for a wide array of clean-energy and environmental applications. In this contribution, we categorically review the merits and shortcomings of COF bulk powders, nanosheets, freestanding thin films/membranes, and membranes on porous supports in various separation processes, including separation of gases, pervaporation, organic solvent nanofiltration, water purification, radionuclide sequestration, and chiral separations, with particular reference to COF material pore size, host–guest interactions, stability, selectivity, and permeability. This review covers the fabrication strategies of nanosheets, films, and membranes, as well as performance parameters, and provides an overview of the separation landscape with COFs in relation to other porous polymers, while seeking to interpret the future research opportunities in this field.
Spatially Resolved Analysis of Freezing during Isothermal PEFC Cold Starts with Time-of-Flight Neutron Imaging
Authors: Siegwart M. , Huang F. , Cochet M. , Schmidt T. J. , Zhang J. , Boillat P.
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate that the use of high duty cycle time-of-flight (HDC-TOF) neutron transmission imaging allows a spatially resolved analysis of the aggregate state of water during isothermal cold starts of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Neutron attenuation at long wavelengths depends on the mobility of protons and is therefore lower for ice compared to liquid water. With the experimental setup used in our experiment (chopper disk duty cycle of 30%) attenuation at long wavelengths normalized to attenuation at short wavelengths leads to a contrast between ice and super-cooled water higher than 6% and a measurement time of a few minutes is sufficient to detect reliably phase changes of thick water layers (≈0.5 mm), i.e. when water is present in the flow field channels. Using this method, local freezing events were identified during an isothermal cold start, which was corroborated by locally resolved measurements of the latent heat released during freezing. The impact of systematic biases such as the scattered background was evaluated, showing that a precise correction is of utmost importance if the aggregate state is to be determined in an absolute way. If such a highly precise correction is not possible, the detection of freezing events is still possible by observing relative changes during time series.
Study on Software Vulnerability Characteristics and Its Identification Method
Authors: Luo Chenlan , Bo Wang , Kun Huang , Yuesheng Lou
Published: March 2020

A method for identifying software data flow vulnerabilities is proposed based on the dendritic cell algorithm and the improved convolutional neural network to effectively solve the transmission errors in software data flow. In this method, we first gave the software data flow propagation model and constructed the data propagation tree structure. Secondly, we analyzed the running characteristics of the software, took the interaction among indexes into account, and identified data flow vulnerabilities using the dendritic cell algorithm and the improved convolutional neural network. Finally, we conducted an in-depth study on the performance of this method and other algorithms through mathematical simulation. The results show that this method has better advantages in detection time, storage cost, and software code size.
Division of Myocardial Enzyme Reference Intervals in Population Aged 1 to <18 Years Old Based on Fisher’s Optimal Segmentation Method
Authors: Guo Wenjia , Zhou Qi , Jia Yanan , Xu Jiancheng
Published: March 2020

Background. Reference interval (RI) research is to make it a concise, effective, and practical diagnostic tool. This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific RI for myocardial enzyme activity in population aged 1–<18 years old in Changchun, China. Methods. Healthy subjects (n = 6,322, 1–<18 years old) were recruited from communities and schools. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Fisher’s optimal segmentation method was used to partition by including percentiles as impact factors, aiming at minimizing the sum of the squares of the total dispersion into groups as splitting sequence of ordered data. Results. AST decreased gradually and was partitioned as 1, 2∼<10 and 10∼<18 years old. LDH presented disparate descending rate among 1∼<4, 4∼<12, and 12∼<18 years old. CK stood quite stable with the same RI in all ages. CKMB began to differ at 6 years of age sexually and then remained stable during 6∼<14 years old for male while it continued to decline in female. Cardiac development was partitioned as 1∼<6, 6∼<13, and 13∼<18 years old using multiple percentiles from massive data that reflect characteristics of totality as impact factors. Conclusions. Fisher’s optimal segmentation method excelled for multidimensionality, continuity, and loop calculating as dealing with RIs for myocardial enzymes activity and cardiac development process despite limitations. In future, impact of partition on the overall interval should be delved into.
Electromechanical Model of Coupling Spring Piezoelectric Oscillator with Loading
Authors: Chen Jianping , Yi Yan , Song Bo
Published: March 2020

The paper studies the influence of piezoelectric materials and structural parameters on the electromechanical conversion characteristics of the piezoelectric vibrator. Employing the mechanical theory of Euler–Bernoulli beam, the mechanical vibration and circuit balance equation are obtained about the single-step variable cross-section bimorph piezoelectric vibrator under the condition of external resistance, and the analytical equations are derived for the displacement, output voltage, and conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric vibrator excited by near natural frequency simple harmonic support. The validity of the theoretical model is verified by vibration test. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the mechanical and electrical conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric vibrator is the highest when the circuit impedance is matched, and the mechanical and electrical conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric vibrator is determined by the resistance ratio caused by mechanical and electrical coupling after resistance optimization.
The Effects of Natural Iridoids and Anthocyanins on Selected Parameters of Liver and Cardiovascular System Functions
Authors: Danielewski Maciej , Matuszewska Agnieszka , Nowak Beata , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Sozański Tomasz
Published: March 2020

The old adage says, “you are what you eat.” And although it is a banality repeated by many with a grain of salt, it also has quite a bit of truth in it, as the products we eat have a considerable impact on our health. Unfortunately, humanity is eating worse from one year to another, both in terms of product quality and eating habits. At the same time, it is brought up frequently that plant products should form the basis of our diet. This issue was also reflected in the new version of the food pyramid. Iridoids and anthocyanins are groups of plant compounds with proven beneficial effects on health. Both groups affect the cardiovascular system and the liver functions. Although many mechanisms of action and the therapeutic effects of these compounds have already been learned, intensive animal and clinical research is still underway to explore their new curative mechanisms and effects or to broaden our knowledge of those previously described. In this article, we review the effects of natural iridoids and anthocyanins on selected parameters of liver and cardiovascular system functions.
Oto-tricho-tussia: An Unexpected Cause of Cough
Authors: Castro Rebecca A. , Zalvan Craig H. , Berzofsky Craig
Published: March 2020

Chronic cough is a frequently encountered condition with multiple etiologies. In patients with neurogenic chronic cough, peripheral laryngopharyngeal hypersensitivity of the vagus nerve stimulates the cough reflex. We present three cases of “Oto-tricho-tussia,” describing hair within the ear canal stimulating Arnold’s branch of the vagus nerve and triggering the urge-to-cough. All three patients experienced significant improvement or complete resolution of their cough symptoms after removal of the hair resting on their tympanic membrane and external auditory canal. We encourage ear canal examination and promotion of proper ear cleaning habits as this is an easily treatable consideration for the cause of chronic cough.
Deep Domain Adaptation Model for Bearing Fault Diagnosis with Riemann Metric Correlation Alignment
Authors: An Jing , Ai Ping
Published: March 2020

In many real-world fault diagnosis applications, due to the frequent changes in working conditions, the distribution of labeled training data (source domain) is different from the distribution of the unlabeled test data (target domain), which leads to performance degradation. In order to solve this problem, an end-to-end unsupervised domain adaptation bear fault diagnosis model that combines Riemann metric correlation alignment and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (RMCA-1DCNN) is proposed in this study. Second-order statistic alignment of the specific activation layer in source and target domains is considered to be a regularization item and embedded in the deep convolutional neural network architecture to compensate for domain shift. Experimental results on the Case Western Reserve University motor bearing database demonstrate that the proposed method has strong fault-discriminative and domain-invariant capacity. Therefore, the proposed method can achieve higher diagnosis accuracy than that of other existing experimental methods.
Modelling the Transmission Dynamics of Tuberculosis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Mettle Felix Okoe , Osei Affi Prince , Twumasi Clement
Published: March 2020

Mathematical models can aid in elucidating the spread of infectious disease dynamics within a given population over time. In an attempt to model tuberculosis (TB) dynamics among high-burden districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, the SEIR epidemic model with demography was employed within both deterministic and stochastic settings for comparison purposes. The deterministic model showed success in modelling TB infection in the region to the transmission dynamics of the stochastic SEIR model over time. It predicted tuberculosis dying out in ten of twelve high-burden districts in the Ashanti Region, but an outbreak in Obuasi municipal and Amansie West district. The effect of introducing treatment at the incubation stage of TB transmission was also investigated, and it was discovered that treatment introduced at the exposed stage decreased the spread of TB. Branching process approximation was used to derive explicit forms of relevant epidemiological quantities of the deterministic SEIR model for stability analysis of equilibrium points. Numerical simulations were performed to validate the overall infection rate, basic reproductive number, herd immunity threshold, and Malthusian parameter based on bootstrapping, jackknife, and Latin Hypercube sampling schemes. It was recommended that the Ghana Health Service should find a good mechanism to detect TB in the early stages of infection in the region. Public health attention must also be given to districts with a potentially higher risk of experiencing endemic TB even though the estimates of the overall epidemic thresholds from our SEIR model suggested that the Ashanti Region as a whole had herd immunity against TB infection.
Novel Indices of Glucose Homeostasis Derived from Principal Component Analysis: Application for Metabolic Assessment in Pregnancy
Authors: Stopp Tina , Feichtinger Michael , Rosicky Ingo , Yerlikaya-Schatten Gülen , Ott Johannes , Egarter Hans Christian , Schatten Christian , Eppel Wolfgang , Husslein Peter , Mittlböck Martina , Tura Andrea , Göbl Christian S.
Published: March 2020

Aims. This study is aimed at assessing the association of previously developed indices of glucose homeostasis derived from principal component analysis (PCA) with parameters of insulin action, secretion, and beta cell function during pregnancy. Methods. In this prospective longitudinal study, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in sixty-seven pregnant women at two prepartum (12+0 to 22+6 and 24+0 to 28+6) and one postpartum (2 to 11 months) visits. Three principal component scores (PCS) were calculated based on measurements of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, age, and BMI to assess their association with fasting and dynamic indices of insulin action, secretion, and β-cell function. Results. PCS1 was positively associated with fasting and dynamic parameters of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index: r=0.93, p<0.001), whereas a strong negative association was observed for early, late, and total insulin response. PCS2 was associated with higher mean glucose but negatively related to parameters of insulin secretion. PCS3 was significantly associated with fasting indices of insulin sensitivity. PCS1 to 3 assessed at early pregnancy were also associated with development of GDM, whereby random forest analysis revealed the highest variable importance for PCS1. PCS1 to 3 were significantly related to the oral disposition index explaining 49.0% of its variance. Conclusions. PCS1 to 3 behaved similarly as compared to previous observations in nonpregnant women and were furthermore associated with the development of GDM. These findings support our hypothesis that PCS1 to 3 could be used as novel indices of glucose disposal during pregnancy.
Development and Validation of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Determination of Enasidenib in Rat Plasma and Its Pharmacokinetic Application
Authors: Li Shuang-long , Zhu Yong-liang , Zhang Yi , Liu Shu-han , Wang Xiang-die , Qiu Xiang-jun
Published: March 2020

In our research, a straightforward UPLC-MS/MS method, with diazepam as the internal standard (IS), was proposed and acknowledged to determine the concentrations of enasidenib in rat plasma. When preparing the sample, we used acetonitrile for protein precipitation. The gradient elution method was used, and the mobile phase was acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. Diazepam was used as the IS. We used the Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column to separate enasidenib and IS. Under the positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) source conditions, the mass transfer pairs of enasidenib were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to be m/z 474.2 ⟶ 456.1 and m/z 474.2 ⟶ 267.0, and the IS mass transfer pairs were m/z 285.0 ⟶ 154.0. Enasidenib had good linearity (r2 = 0.9985) in the concentration range of 1.0–1000 ng/mL. Besides, the values of intraday and interday precision were 2.25–8.40% and 3.94–5.46%, respectively, and the range of the accuracy values varied from −1.44 to 2.34%. Matrix effect, extraction recovery, and stability were compliant with FDA approval guidelines in terms of bioanalytical method validation. We had established a new method that had been applied to the pharmacokinetic study of enasidenib in rats.
Application Research of “Field” Theory in the Problem of Colleges and Universities Innovation Team Aggregation
Authors: Liang HongJing , Liu JinSheng , Wang Rong , Song YaQin , Zhou YuanYuan
Published: March 2020

Based on the field theory in physics, the thesis applies model construction and other methods to apply the research on the agglomeration problem of colleges’ and universities’ innovation teams and constructs the growth field model of colleges’ and universities’ innovation teams. The conclusions show that the “growth field” of the colleges’ and universities’ innovation team is composed of two elements: “hidden growth factor” and “dominant growth factor,” which have the directional and force acting; if the growth force is more powerful than the resistance, the team growth will move forward along the growth path; if the resultant force is greater than the power, it will enter the recession or be stagnant in advance. The growth path is different in the magnitude and direction of the force at each stage, and the growth path of the individual members of the team and the team as a whole is also different; there is agglomeration in the growth field, and the excellent academic leaders are particularly important. It is a process in which the field forces overlap each other, which will form a situation of continuous agglomeration and a virtuous cycle of interaction and find out the ways to integrate and enhance the ability of colleges’ and universities’ innovation teams under the field effect, in order to achieve the goal of attracting talents to join, optimizing and integrating within the team, improving the overall ability of the team, and increasing outputs.
Electroacupuncture Is Effective for Peripheral Facial Paralysis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei-Hua , Jiang Ruo-Wen , Liu Na-Chuan
Published: March 2020

Objective. To explore the status of electroacupuncture (EA) among other treatments for peripheral facial paralysis (PFP). Methods. Randomized controlled trials comparing EA with other treatments that met the eligibility criteria published in databases were included. The differences were observed and quantified through the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes. Then, their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were recorded. Results. Twenty‐three studies involving 1985 participants were included. META‐analysis results showed that EA was better than manual acupuncture for PFP (RR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.22, for responding rate; SMD: 2.26, 95% CI 0.15 to 4.37, for facial nerve function) and current promoted recovery (RR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.27, for responding rate; SMD: 2.87, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.58, for facial nerve function). When combined with other treatments, EA improved their effectiveness (RR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.28, responding rate; SMD: 1.85, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.03, facial nerve function). Conclusion. Patients with PFP received EA (used separately or combined with other treatments) resulting in a better prognosis. However, the quality of evidence was very low‐to‐moderate. Considering the poor quality of evidence, we are not very confident in the results. We look forward to more research and update results in the future and improve the evidence quality.
Research on the Models of Coupling Dynamics and Damage Classification for Vehicle-Engine Vibration
Authors: Lei Ao , Song Chuan-xue , Lei Yu-long , Fu Yao , Zheng Shang
Published: March 2020

Many researchers have designed the dynamic models to study the vehicle-engine vibration. However, the existing mechanical models are relatively simple, and the analysis of engine vibration damage is discussed rarely. In this paper, we proposed the models of coupling dynamics and damage classification of vehicle-engine vibration. The key advantages of these proposed models are (1) the finite elements method is adopted for the rotor and casing system, and the complex structure with multirotor and multicasing is modeled by defining support system and linking methods; (2) the hybrid numerical integral method is used to obtain the inherent frequency of the nonlinear dynamic system; and (3) the algorithms based on backpropagation (BP) neural network and radial basis function (RBF) neural network are chosen to construct the damage classification model of rotors. Experimental results based on the engine rotor tester prove that the proposed models are not only more robust than the existing works but also show that the classification algorithms can support engine damage analysis effectively.