bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the anti-aging mechanisms of natural phenolic antioxidants in natural rubber composites using a screening strategy based on molecular simulation
Authors: Lu Ling , Luo Kaiqiang , Yang Wei , Zhang Sidian , Wang Wencai , Xu Haiyan , Wu Sizhu
Published: June 2020

The failure of materials upon aging has led to the accumulation of waste and environmental pollution.
Amino-modified kraft lignin microspheres as a support for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Bebić Jelena , Banjanac Katarina , Rusmirović Jelena , Ćorović Marija , Milivojević Ana , Simović Milica , Marinković Aleksandar , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: June 2020

The active biocatalyst systems were developed by immobilizing β-galactosidase fromA. oryzaeand laccase fromM. thermophilaexpressed inA. oryzae(Novozym®51003) onto amino-modified microspheres based on bio-waste derived material, such as kraft lignin.
Developments and applications of nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Beitollahi Hadi , Nejad Fariba Garkani , Safaei Mohadeseh , Zhang Kaiqiang , Van Le Quyet , Varma Rajender S. , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: June 2020

This review summarizes the progress that has been made in the past ten years in the field of electrochemical sensing using nanomaterial-based carbon paste electrodes.
Investigation of ash deposition dynamic process in an industrial biomass CFB boiler burning high alkali and chlorine fuel
Authors: Zhang Hengli , Yu Chunjiang , Luo Zhongyang
Published: June 2020

Analysis of multiple deposits with different deposition times, piecing together the whole deposition process in 50 MW biomass CFB boiler.
Optimization, automation and validation of the large-scale radiosynthesis of Al18F tracers in a custom-made automatic platform for high yield
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Yu Lun , Cheng Kai , Feng Yabo , Qiu Pengfei , Gai Yongkang , Zhou Ming
Published: June 2020

A custom-made automatic platform was designed and developed for large scale Al18F tracer synthesis with high yield.
Intermolecular oxyarylation of olefins with aryl halides and TEMPOH catalyzed by the phenolate anion under visible light
Authors: Liang Kangjiang , Liu Qian , Shen Lei , Li Xipan , Wei Delian , Zheng Liyan , Xia Chengfeng
Published: June 2020

The phenolate anion was developed as a new photocatalyst with strong reduction potentials (−3.16 V vs. SCE) to reduction of aryl halides to aryl radicals through single electron transfer.
Photochemical generation of acyl and carbamoyl radicals using a nucleophilic organic catalyst: applications and mechanism thereof
Authors: de Pedro Beato Eduardo , Mazzarella Daniele , Balletti Matteo , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: June 2020

An organic catalyst uses low-energy photons to generate acyl and carbamoyl radicals upon activation of the corresponding chlorides via a nucleophilic acyl substitution path. The synthetic potential and the mechanism of this strategy are discussed.
Electro-insertion of Mn2+ ions into V2O5·nH2O on MWCNTs coated carbon felt for binder-free Na+ ion battery electrodes
Authors: Parmar R. , de Freitas Neto D. B. , Matsubara E. Y. , Gunnella R. , Rosolen J. M.
Published: June 2020

We report the electrochemical deposition of hydrated and amorphous V2O5·nH2O nanostructures and related Mn2+ cations insertion during anodic polarization.
Elastic stresses reverse Ostwald ripening
Authors: Rosowski Kathryn A. , Vidal-Henriquez Estefania , Zwicker David , Style Robert W. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: June 2020

When liquid droplets grow in a polymer network, compressive stresses from the network can reverse the direction of Ostwald ripening.
Polymer adsorption – reversible or irreversible?
Authors: Kumar Sanat K. , Jimenez Andrew M.
Published: June 2020

This editorial introduces two comprehensive papers in Soft Matter by Napolitano and Roth which cover detailed experiments on adsorbed polymer layers and the underlying assumptions that go with interpreting the dynamics of these “irreversibly” bound chains.
Lignosulfonate functionalized g-C3N4/carbonized wood sponge for highly efficient heavy metal ion scavenging
Authors: Gu Yue , Ye Mengxiang , Wang Yongchuang , Li Huaimeng , Zhang Haimin , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Zhao Huijun
Published: June 2020

A 3D hierarchical LS-C3N4/CWS monolith has been successfully fabricated for highly efficient heavy metal ion scavenging in both static and continuous-flow modes.
On the origin of non-monotonic variation of the lattice parameters of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 with lithiation/delithiation: a first-principles study
Authors: Kuo Liang-Yin , Guillon Olivier , Kaghazchi Payam
Published: June 2020

The non-monotonic variation of the lattice parameters of LixNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 during delithiation/lithiation is simulated and explained by using an approach combining an extensive set of Coulomb energy and DFT calculations.
Investigating 2D WS2 supercapacitor electrode performance by Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Sambath Kumar Kowsik , Choudhary Nitin , Pandey Deepak , Ding Yi , Hurtado Luis , Chung Hee-Suk , Tetard Laurene , Jung Yeonwoong , Thomas Jayan
Published: June 2020

Uncovering the mechanism behind the increase in capacitance of a 2D WS2 supercapacitor electrode upon cycling using KPFM analysis.
Counterion condensation or lack of solvation? Understanding the activity of ions in thin film block copolymer electrolytes
Authors: Lei Qi , Li Ke , Bhattacharya Deepra , Xiao Jingya , Kole Subarna , Zhang Qingteng , Strzalka Joseph , Lawrence Jimmy , Kumar Revati , Arges Christopher G.
Published: June 2020

Dissociation of ion charge pairs in block copolymer electrolytes and its relation to activity coefficients and normalized ionic conductivity.
Synergies between electronic and geometric effects of Mo-doped Au nanoparticles for effective CO2 electrochemical reduction
Authors: Sun Kun , Ji Yujin , Liu Yuanyue , Wang Zhijiang
Published: June 2020

Mo-doped Au catalysts with electron rich Au sites and the geometric effect of the Mo atom exhibit enhanced activity for CO2 reduction.
Nanoparticle-based biosensors for detection of extracellular vesicles in liquid biopsies
Authors: Martín-Gracia Beatriz , Martín-Barreiro Alba , Cuestas-Ayllón Carlos , Grazú Valeria , Line Aija , Llorente Alicia , M. de la Fuente Jesús , Moros María
Published: June 2020

Selecting the appropriate nanoparticle, functionalization chemistry and sensing methodology can speed up the translation of liquid biopsies into the clinic.
Thermally stable indium based metal–organic frameworks with high dielectric permittivity
Authors: Kamal Saqib , Chiou Kuan Ru , Sainbileg Batjargal , Inamdar Arif I. , Usman Muhammad , Pathak Abhishek , Luo Tzuoo-Tsair , Chen Jenq-Wei , Hayashi Michitoshi , Hung Chen-Hsiung , Lu Kuang-Lieh
Published: June 2020

Two thermally stable In-based MOFs exhibit high dielectric behavior with wide bandgaps.
Chirality control in white-light emitting 2D perovskites
Authors: Trujillo-Hernández Karla , Rodríguez-López Germán , Espinosa-Roa Arian , González-Roque Jesús , Gómora-Figueroa A. Paulina , Zhang Weiguo , Halasyamani P. Shiv , Jancik Vojtech , Gembicky Milan , Pirruccio Giuseppe , Solis-Ibarra Diego
Published: June 2020

Induction of white light emission and chiroptical properties in 2D perovskites is achieved and controlled through the incorporation of chiral cations.
How the Study of Speech Motor Control Can Inform Assessment and Intervention in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Case Julie , Grigos Maria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study of speech motor control has led to great advancements in the current understanding of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). There remains a significant need to bridge the gap between theory and practice to fully understand the clinical implications of past research.

Method

This review article reviews the speech motor control research in CAS and discusses how these works have offered key information about the underlying motor deficits (Grigos et al., 2015; Terband et al., 2019), the influence of structured practice on speech performance (Case & Grigos, 2016; Grigos & Case, 2018), and the role of task complexity (Case, 2019; Case & Grigos, 2016; Grigos & Case, 2018). We highlight salient points from this existing literature and clinical implications to the assessment and treatment of CAS.

Conclusion

The study of speech motor control has shed light on a number of key factors related to CAS. Even within perceptually accurate speech, children with CAS display differences in movement patterning and timing control. Assessment must aim to more directly tax speech motor skills to obtain a thorough and accurate illustration of production deficits. Intervention is challenged with the task of not only improving production accuracy but also facilitating more efficient motor planning and programming. Motor-based intervention that applies motor learning principles and introduces variability across motor, phonetic, and prosodic contexts is believed to achieve this goal, though research is needed to better understand changes in speech motor control with treatment.
Despeckling algorithm for reducing speckle noise in images generated from active sensors
Authors: Choi H. , Jeong J.
Published: June 2020

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images can be utilised in various fields because they are not affected by the time of day or weather conditions. However, in the process of employing active sensors to obtain a SAR image, speckle noise is generated in the image. Speckle noise degrades the ability of computer vision to observe the Earth. To improve imaging performance, an algorithm for removing speckle noise is necessary. For this purpose, the authors propose a speckle‐noise removal algorithm. A speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion filter is employed as a pre‐processing filter, in which multiplicative speckle noise can be converted into additive noise using a logarithmic transformation. To remove the additive noise, they use a weighted guided image filter. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method exhibits improved speckle noise suppression and edge preservation results compared with those of existing methods.
One‐minute integrated rainfall rate statistics from a rain gauge network in Colombia: accuracy of prediction methods
Authors: Emiliani L. , Luini L. , Rolon A.
Published: June 2020

Reliable rainfall rate complementary cumulative distributions are critical for the design of microwave communications systems operating above around 8 GHz. This Letter presents the results of the analysis of more than 5 years of 1‐minute integrated rainfall accumulation data for 12 stations. This new dataset will prove useful considering the sharing analyses that must be executed for IMT services in the 24.25–27.5, 37–43.5, 45.5–47, 47.2–48.2 and 66–71 GHz spectrum bands. The resulting statistics can complement the entries in the database of ITU‐R Study Group 3 for the region.
Design of a multimode tunable low noise amplifier for software defined radios
Authors: Aneja A. , Li X. J.
Published: June 2020

This Letter presents the design and analysis of a tunable low noise amplifier (LNA) capable of achieving single band, dual band and wideband operations. The circuit features a modified tunable open stub matching to achieve a reconfigurable multiband response. The LNA adopts a varactor diode in the input matching stage to achieve reconfigurable modes. Two bias conditions for the varactor diode are analysed. The forward bias condition yields a wideband mode (1.6 to 2.5 GHz) and zero bias results in a concurrent dual band mode (0.9 and 1.7–2.5 GHz). In reverse bias condition, the bias voltage of varactor diode () can be tuned to achieve one single band mode (1 GHz), and a tunable concurrent dual band mode, where the first band is fixed at 1 GHz and the second band is continuously tunable from 1.7 to 2.5 GHz. The LNA is fabricated in microwave integrated circuit process on an FR‐4 board. The measured power gain is 7–15 dB and noise figure is 1.2–2.2 dB across all bands. The measured 1 dB compression () is , and at 0.9, 1 and 2.4 GHz, respectively.
Real‐time simulation device for mean arterial pressure of hypotensive patient subjected phenylephrine infusion
Authors: Coelho M.S. , Silva S.J. , Boschi S.R.M.S. , Rodrigues S.C.M. , Scardovelli T.A. , Barbuy H.S. , Silva A.P.
Published: June 2020

This Letter presents the implementation in a hardware device of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) response model of patients subjected to the infusion of the vasoconstrictor drug phenylephrine, enabling the development of automatic control systems in the future. The proposed model was firstly developed in a software platform with Simulink/MatLab using block libraries based on previous research carried out with animals and then implemented on hardware using a single‐board computer with microcontroller and code generated in C/C++. The responses of MAP were simulated and compared using the proposed software and hardware model, considering the dynamic effects of several patients. The results showed that the hardware model presented 0.43% as the largest absolute percentage error observed in all trials, for an injection rate of the drug varying in steps with levels of 40 ml/h
Robust design methodology for single phase induction motor ceiling fan
Authors: Sharma Utkarsh , Singh Bhim
Published: June 2020

This paper deals with the robust design of a single‐phase induction motor (SPIM) for ceiling fan application. It also identifies the critical design parameters of a single‐phase induction motor for an outer rotor geometry. The inaccuracy issues in the equivalent circuit method for such low watt application, are discussed with experimental validation using different equivalent circuit approaches. Moreover, the finite element (Finite Element) approach is used for the accurate design of the SPIMs. The magnetic behaviour of the ceiling fan SPIM is also studied in detail. A 45 W ceiling fan design is considered for improvement in the efficiency and performance with the same outer and inner diameter dimensions. For the improved design of the SPIM, a sequential DoE (Design of Experiments) based methodology is used. Taguchi's orthogonal arrays, namely L18 and L9, are used for robust design of the stator as well as the rotor. The improved design for ceiling fan SPIM is validated by two‐dimensional time stepping transient FEA.
Pareto‐optimal design of UHF antenna using modified non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II
Authors: Bin Feng , Wang Feng , Chen She , Sun Qiuqin , Zhong Lipeng , Lin Shu
Published: June 2020

In this study, the ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) antenna for partial discharge (PD) detection is optimised to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of low return loss and high fidelity factor (FF) in the frequency band of interest by using the modified non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (MNSGA‐II). Based on the labour division strategy, the MNSGA‐II adopts an adaptive crossover and mutation possibilities instead of the fixed ones, resulting in the significant improvement of convergence rate and exploration ability. One of the Pareto‐optimal solutions is presented as the authors’ proposed UHF antenna, whose performance is compared with those of both the antenna optimised by genetic algorithm and the existing wideband antennas. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna with a compact size of 0.201 λL × 0.198 λL realises the reflection coefficient less than −10 dB from 490 MHz to 1.52 GHz, and its FFs in the face‐to‐face and side‐by‐side scenarios are 0.897 and 0.845, respectively. Furthermore, the simulation results reveal that the high FF of antenna greatly increases the accuracy of PD source localisation. It indicates that the MNSGA‐II provides an excellent solution to the multiobjective optimisation problems in antenna design.
Modelling method and applicability analysis of a reduced‐order inverter model for microgrid applications
Authors: Yu Hongru , Su Jianhui , Wang Haining , Wang Yiding , Shi Yong
Published: June 2020

A proper inverter model is an important tool for system stability analysis and parameter design. A complete model is accurate, but computationally expensive. While some reduced‐order models are available, they are inaccurate in certain situations, or lose generality as parameters change. The characteristics of these inverters are significantly different from those of synchronous machines with strong natural timescale separation. Although network dynamics and inner‐loop dynamics are relatively fast, they seem to have an impact on power loops with slow dynamics, and neglecting them can lead to questionable results. In this study, the limitations of existing general models are demonstrated, and their applicability is analysed. To address the reduced‐order precision problem, a process‐simplified reduction method and an efficient reduced‐order inverter model are proposed for microgrid applications. The developed model has higher precision and wider applicability while uncovering instability mechanisms and addressing other factors. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the validity of the model reduction method are verified by comparative experiments.
Novel DOAs estimation method based on Doppler aided Chinese remainder theorem with all phase DFT for multiple targets in sparse array
Authors: Cao Chenghu , Zhao Yongbo , Pang Xiaojiao , Chen Sheng , Hu Yili
Published: June 2020

In this study, the authors take further insight into the sparse geometry which offers a larger array aperture than uniform linear array with the same number of physical sensors. A novel direction of arrivals (DOAs) estimation model with flexible sparse geometry, which possesses the potential to significantly improve the estimation performance especially when the placed space and the weight of carrier such as airborne radar are restricted, is proposed to offer a larger aperture compared with co‐prime array. The proposed algorithm can estimate DOAs by solving phase ambiguity. To improve the capability of spectrum analysis in frequency domain, all phase discrete Fourier transform (DFT), which can effectively alleviate spectrum leakage compared with traditional DFT, is proposed to apply into DOAs estimation. Additionally, the performance on degrees of freedom can be considerably improved compared with the state of the art where all the targets can be distinguished by Doppler information of received echo signal. More importantly, the proposed algorithm can effectively deal with DOA‐closely‐spaced targets because the proposed algorithm does not require to estimate signal subspace with ill‐conditioned steering matrices. Both the theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly improves DOAs estimation precision with less computation cost.
Chirurgie des Zwerchfells
Authors: Sklenar Stephan , Eggeling Stephan
Published: June 2020

Das Zwerchfell befindet sich im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes im Randbereich verschiedener chirurgischer Disziplinen. Die Grundprinzipien der Chirurgie des Zwerchfells werden daher meist auch nur am Rande oder im Rahmen anderer Erkrankungen abgehandelt. In diesem Artikel soll nun das Zwerchfell in das Zentrum der Betrachtungen gerückt werden und chirurgische Aspekte von dessen häufigsten Erkrankungszuständen beleuchtet werden.
Robotische Ösophaguresektion (RAMIE) – Setup, Port Placement, strukturierte OP-Schritte
Authors: Möller Thorben , Becker Thomas , Reichert Benedikt , Egberts Jan-Hendrik
Published: June 2020

Die roboterassistierte Ösophagusresektion (RAMIE) kann insbesondere im thorakalen Teil der Operation die Limitationen der konventionellen minimalinvasiven Chirurgie überwinden. Durch mehr Freiheitsgrade der Bewegung und verbesserte Sicht ist insbesondere die Anastomosenanlage im robotischen Vorgehen einfacher. In der vorliegenden Arbeit stellen wir unsere etablierte RAMIE-Technik sowie die Anlage einer Dünndarmernährungssonde am Da-Vinci-Xi®-System vor. Diese unterscheidet sich insbesondere durch die nur partielle Bildung des Magenschlauches abdominell sowie die Durchführung einer End-zu-Seit-Anastomose mit Zirkularstapler und kompletter Übernähung von anderen publizierten Techniken.
Rektumkarzinom – Robotic Setup, Port Placement, strukturierte OP-Schritte
Authors: Türler Andreas , Loriz Haug-Lambert , Schröder Tatjana , Cerasani Nicola
Published: June 2020

Die robotische tiefe anteriore Rektumresektion beim Rektumkarzinom findet zunehmend Verbreitung in Europa. Es ergeben sich sowohl onkologisch als auch funktionell potenzielle Vorteile gegenüber dem konventionellen laparoskopischen Zugang. Die neue Generation der Operationsroboter, insbesondere das Da-Vinci-Xi-System von Intuitive, erweitert die Möglichkeiten des robotischen Zuganges, insbesondere bei der Mobilisation der linken Kolonflexur. Dementsprechend kann die tiefe anteriore Resektion sicher, komplikationsarm und ohne Hybridunterstützung robotisch durchgeführt werden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden das Setup des Roboters, das Port Placement und die Operationsschritte bei der robotischen tiefen anterioren Resektion beschrieben. Hierbei werden sowohl die Besonderheiten des Da-Vinci-Xi- als auch des -X-Systems hervorgehoben. Potenzielle Vorteile gegenüber dem laparoskopischen Zugang durch eine bessere 3-dimensionale Visualisierung des Operationssitus durch eine Erhöhung der Bewegungsfreiheitsgrade und durch eine erhöhte Präzision der Instrumentenführung können zu verbesserten Resultaten der Rektumchirurgie führen. Bisher ist die Evidenz allerdings zu schwach, um die robotische tiefe anteriore Rektumresektion als Standardzugang beim Rektumkarzinom zu empfehlen.
Discharging Medically Complex Infants with Supplemental Nasogastric Tube Feeds: Impact on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Prevention of Gastrostomy Tubes
Authors: Mago-Shah Deesha D. , Malcolm William F. , Greenberg Rachel G. , Goldstein Ricki F.
Published: June 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of discharge with supplemental nasogastric tube (NGT) feeds in medically complex infants.

Study Design Cohort study of 400 infants enrolled in the Transitional Medical Home (TMH) program at Duke University Level IV neonatal intensive care unit from January 2013 to 2017.

Results Among 400 infants enrolled in the TMH, 57 infants were discharged with an NGT. A total of 45 infants with a variety of diagnoses and comorbidities were included in final analysis. Among 45 infants, 5 obtained a gastrostomy tube (GT) postdischarge. Median (25–75th percentile) length of use of NGT in 40 infants was 12 days (4–37). Excluding four outliers who used NGT for ≥140 days, the median length of use was 8 days (3–24). This extrapolates to a median of 288 hospital days saved for the remaining 36 infants. There were only three emergency room visits related to parental concern for incorrect NGT placement. There was no statistically significant difference in percent oral feeding predischarge or growth in first month postdischarge between infants who orally fed versus those who obtained GTs.

Conclusion Discharge with supplemental NGT feeds is safe and feasible utilizing a standardized protocol and close postdischarge follow-up. This practice can decrease length of stay and prevent need for GT.

Key Points
Ethical Issues in Pediatric Regulatory Studies Involving Placebo Treatment
Authors: Rose Klaus , Neubauer David , Grant-Kels Jane M.
Published: June 2020

Separate pediatric studies for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) emerged with general separate drug approval in children and were defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as <17 years and by the European Union (EU) as <18 years. These administrative age limits are necessary in pediatrics, but they correspond variably with the physiological maturity of young patients and are not helpful for therapeutic decisions or as study inclusion criteria. AEDs are often effective for partial onset seizures (POS) in 2 to 17-year-olds as well as in ≥18-year-olds, if dosed correctly. Separate pediatric AED studies assume no difference between the legal and the physiological meaning of the word “child.” While the FDA now accepts efficacy of AEDs in POS in children ≥2 years, the EU still requires separate “pediatric” studies. For retigabine it waived all pediatric studies after having required 20 such studies over several years. We feel the current regulation creates a situation where many studies in children are done unnecessarily; we question the ethics of such an approach, which in our view, is morally wrong. Critical publications contributed to the FDA's shift of opinion for AEDs in POS but did not address the blur of different meanings of the word “child.”
Implementation of an Intravenous Fluid Titration Algorithm to Treat Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Babbitt Christopher , Dadios Marc , Chau Ariya , Tse Graham , Brown Lisa , Ladbury Tracy , Morphew Tricia , Brakin Mario
Published: June 2020

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common cause of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit and many centers utilize the “two-bag system” to treat DKA. We developed an intravenous fluid (IVF) titration algorithm to standardize adjustments of the two bags. A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing 155 patients treated before and 175 patients treated after implementation of the IVF titration algorithm. Postimplementation patients reached the blood glucose target zone faster and had a higher probability of remaining at goal while on insulin infusion. There was no significant difference in incidence of cerebral edema or hypoglycemia between study groups. Overall IVF titration algorithm compliance was 95%. Implementation of an IVF titration algorithm is safe and effective when treating DKA in children.
Balanced Double Aortic Arch Causing Persistent Respiratory Symptoms Mimicking Asthma in an Infant
Authors: Temur Hafize Otcu , Yozgat Can Yilmaz , Uzuner Selcuk , Ugurlucan Murat , Yazan Hakan , Cakir Erkan , Yozgat Yilmaz
Published: June 2020

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a common form of complete vascular ring. The condition leads to airway obstruction and compression of the esophagus. A balanced type of DAA is an extremely rare anomaly. The anatomical aberration cannot be easily distinguished by transthoracic echocardiography when an infant has chronic respiratory distress. Herein we presented a case of an 11-month-old infant who had chronic respiratory distress and a balanced type of DAA.
Intramural Hematoma as Unexpected Complication of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Terzi Francesca , Cefarelli Mariano , Fattori Rossella , Di Eusanio Marco
Published: June 2020

Novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an ominous infectious disease that seems capable to attack any organ system, leading in the most severe cases to patient death. COVID-19 has been associated with multiple cardiovascular complications of inflammatory and immune origin, leading to a wide spectrum of vascular damage, myocardial injury, stroke, and pulmonary obstruction. We report the case of a patient with COVID-19 infection who developed an acute aortic syndrome with the characteristics of aortic intramural hematoma.
A simple method for measuring inequality
Authors: Sitthiyot Thitithep , Holasut Kanyarat
Published: June 2020

To simultaneously overcome the limitation of the Gini index in that it is less sensitive to inequality at the tails of income distribution and the limitation of the inter-decile ratios that ignore inequality in the middle of income distribution, an inequality index is introduced. It comprises three indicators, namely, the Gini index, the income share held by the top 10%, and the income share held by the bottom 10%. The data from the World Bank database and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Income Distribution Database between 2005 and 2015 are used to demonstrate how the inequality index works. The results show that it can distinguish income inequality among countries that share the same Gini index but have different income gaps between the top 10% and the bottom 10%. It could also distinguish income inequality among countries that have the same ratio of income share held by the top 10% to income share held by the bottom 10% but differ in the values of the Gini index. In addition, the inequality index could capture the dynamics where the Gini index of a country is stable over time but the ratio of income share of the top 10% to income share of the bottom 10% is increasing. Furthermore, the inequality index could be applied to other scientific disciplines as a measure of statistical heterogeneity and for size distributions of any non-negative quantities.
Unfolding unpaid domestic work in India: women’s constraints, choices, and career
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Pattanaik Falguni
Published: June 2020

Unpaid domestic work is an important aspect of productive activities and an indispensable factor that contributes to the well-being of household and economy. However, the predominance of women in domestic work and keeping them out of ‘economic activities’ put unpaid domestic work under the shadow of invisibility, outside the production boundaries, and further outside the purview of economic policy. The nature of women’s work has endured substantial alterations during the neo-liberal paradigm of Indian economy, and women’s participation in the labor force and workforce has declined significantly. To understand the status of women in the labor market, it is necessary to comprehend the nature of their unpaid work, which has significant impact on their work participation rate in the economy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the magnitude and factors that influence the unpaid domestic work status of women in India. The findings of this study reveal that the intensity to be engaged in domestic work is high among women who are less educated and belong to the lower wealth quintile in society. Women are engaged in unpaid domestic work because of three factors—Constraints (social and religious), Choices (failure of market and states to provide essential provisioning), and Career (low opportunity cost of unpaid work in the market). Therefore, a holistical approach within the broader context of household, state, market, and society through a macro, meso, and micro interconnects has to be considered for changing women’s status in the economy.
Everyday characterizations of translational research: researchers’ own use of terminology and models in medical research and practice
Authors: Strand Dixi Louise
Published: June 2020

Biomedical literature and policy are highly concerned with encouraging and improving the clinical application and clinical benefit of new scientific knowledge. Debates, theorizing, and policy initiatives aiming to close the “bench-to-bedside gap” have led to the development of “Translational Research” (TR), an emerging set of research-related discourses and practices within biomedicine. Studies in social science and the humanities have explored and challenged the assumptions underpinning specific TR models and policy initiatives, as well as the socio-material transformations involved. However, only few studies have explored TR as a productive ongoing process of meaning-making taking place as part of the everyday practices of the actual researchers located at the very nexus of science and clinic. This article therefore asks the question of how the discourse and promise of translation is embedded and performed within the practices and perspective of the specific actors involved. The findings are based on material from ethnographic fieldwork among translational researchers situated in a Danish hospital research setting. The analysis draws on the analytical notion of performativity in order to approach statements and models of TR in the light of their performative dimension. This analytical approach thus helps to highlight how the characterizations of TR also contain prescriptions for how the world must change for these characterizations to become true. The analysis provides insights into four different characterizations of TR and reflects on the associated practices where performative success is achieved in practice. With the presentation of these four characterizations, this paper illustrates different uses of the term TR among the actual actors engaged in research-clinic activities and contributes insight into the complex processes of conceptual and material reorganization that form part of the emergence of TR in biomedicine.
In silico models for evaluating proarrhythmic risk of drugs
Authors: Hwang Minki , Lim Chul-Hyun , Leem Chae Hun , Shim Eun Bo
Published: June 2020

Safety evaluation of drugs requires examination of the risk of generating Torsade de Pointes (TdP) because it can lead to sudden cardiac death. Until recently, the QT interval in the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used in the evaluation of TdP risk because the QT interval is known to be associated with the development of TdP. Although TdP risk evaluation based on QT interval has been successful in removing drugs with TdP risk from the market, some safe drugs may have also been affected due to the low specificity of QT interval-based evaluation. For more accurate evaluation of drug safety, the comprehensive in vitro proarrhythmia assay (CiPA) has been proposed by regulatory agencies, industry, and academia. Although the CiPA initiative includes in silico evaluation of cellular action potential as a component, attempts to utilize in silico simulation in drug safety evaluation are expanding, even to simulating human ECG using biophysical three-dimensional models of the heart and torso under the effects of drugs. Here, we review recent developments in the use of in silico models for the evaluation of the proarrhythmic risk of drugs. We review the single cell, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional models and their applications reported in the literature and discuss the possibility of utilizing ECG simulation in drug safety evaluation.
Impact of pits formed in the AlN nucleation layer on buffer leakage in GaN/AlGaN high electron mobility transistor structures on Si (111)
Authors: Rathkanthiwar Shashwat , Kalra Anisha , Remesh Nayana , Bardhan Abheek , Muralidharan Rangarajan , Nath Digbijoy N. , Raghavan Srinivasan
Published: June 2020

Limiting buffer layer current leakage is essential for the realization of high breakdown fields in GaN-on-Si high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). In this report, we demonstrate the importance of controlling the surface morphology of the AlN nucleation layer (NL) in limiting this leakage. Testing on a self-consistent series of samples grown under two different AlN NL conditions revealed the presence of leakage paths within the epilayers grown using a single temperature AlN NL owing to the presence of surface pits. The introduction of a higher temperature AlN in the NL drastically reduced the pit density and led to a large reduction (>103) in the lateral and vertical buffer leakage in HEMT structures. Using conductive atomic force microscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and temperature-dependent carrier transport measurements, we confirm that these pits—which originate in the AlN NL, thread vertically, and propagate into the device structures—are associated with leakage paths, thus reducing the field that can be dropped across the epilayers. This is explained by invoking preferential oxygen segregation at their side-facets. It is shown that when a pit-free surface is maintained, a vertical field of 1.6 MV/cm can be achieved for HEMTs. This study is expected to benefit the development of high-performance GaN HEMTs in moving toward the theoretical breakdown field of III-nitrides.
Review highlights advantages of in silico models for drug safety evaluation
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: June 2020

The future of drug safety evaluation might involve more in silico simulations and less animal testing, according to review.
Mixing characterization of binary-coalesced droplets in microchannels using deep neural network
Authors: Arjun A. , Ajith R. R. , Kumar Ranjith S.
Published: June 2020

Real-time object identification and classification are essential in many microfluidic applications especially in the droplet microfluidics. This paper discusses the application of convolutional neural networks to detect the merged microdroplet in the flow field and classify them in an on-the-go manner based on the extent of mixing. The droplets are generated in PMMA microfluidic devices employing flow-focusing and cross-flow configurations. The visualization of binary coalescence of droplets is performed by a CCD camera attached to a microscope, and the sequence of images is recorded. Different real-time object localization and classification networks such as You Only Look Once and Singleshot Multibox Detector are deployed for droplet detection and characterization. A custom dataset to train these deep neural networks to detect and classify is created from the captured images and labeled manually. The merged droplets are segregated based on the degree of mixing into three categories: low mixing, intermediate mixing, and high mixing. The trained model is tested against images taken at different ambient conditions, droplet shapes, droplet sizes, and binary-fluid combinations, which indeed exhibited high accuracy and precision in predictions. In addition, it is demonstrated that these schemes are efficient in localization of coalesced binary droplets from the recorded video or image and classify them based on grade of mixing irrespective of experimental conditions in real time.
Magnetic measurements of hydrogen desorption from palladium hydride PdH0.64 prepared by severe plastic deformation
Authors: Mito Masaki , Fukuyama Tomoya , Kitamura Yuichiro , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Edalati Kaveh , Horita Zenji
Published: June 2020

Hydrogen absorption and desorption through diffusive processes and the accompanying phase transformations in hydrogen storage materials have been investigated by x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, pressure-composition-temperature isotherms, and electrical resistance measurements. We use time- and temperature-dependent magnetic measurements to gain a detailed understanding of these phenomena in palladium hydride PdH0.64 prepared by severe plastic deformation via the high-pressure torsion method. The concept of our method is pursuing an increase in the ratio of the paramagnetic α-phase Pd+H to the diamagnetic β-phase PdH. An antiferromagnetic correlation appears between the paramagnetic moments of Pd at a low temperature and a huge discrete change in magnetization appears due to collective H desorption above room temperature. It is also verified that H diffusion and its desorption can be changed with the accumulation of the severe lattice strain.
The hierarchy of multi-point probability density functions and characteristic functions in compressible turbulence
Authors: Praturi Divya Sri , Plümacher Dominik , Oberlack Martin
Published: June 2020

The hierarchies of equations for a general multi-point probability density function (PDF) and its characteristic function (CF) are derived for compressible turbulent flows, obeying the ideal gas law. The closure problem of turbulence is clearly exhibited in each of the approaches, with n-point statistics being dependent on the (n + 1)-point statistics and, for some cases, even the (n + 2)-point statistics. When dynamic viscosity and heat conductivity are dependent on temperature as a power-law, the CF hierarchy could contain fractional derivatives if the exponent is a non-integer. The additional conditions satisfied by all the PDFs and CFs in both the hierarchies are also prescribed. The PDF and CF equations derived in this paper, with the unclosed terms explicitly written in terms of higher order PDF/CF, act as a starting point in constructing symmetry-based invariant solutions of compressible turbulence, analogous to the works of Wacławczyk et al. [“Statistical symmetries of the Lundgren–Monin–Novikov hierarchy,” Phys. Rev. E 90, 013022 (2014)] and Oberlack and Rosteck [“New statistical symmetries of the multi-point equations and its importance for turbulent scaling laws,” Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. 3, 451–471 (2010)] for incompressible turbulence.
Small RNA fingerprinting of Alzheimer's disease frontal cortex extracellular vesicles and their comparison with peripheral extracellular vesicles
Authors: Cheng Lesley , Vella Laura J. , Barnham Kevin J. , McLean Catriona , Masters Colin L. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: June 2020

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, with the strongest disease‐associated changes observed at clinical or end‐stage disease. Transcriptomic deregulation of miRNA expression can spread via “horizontal” RNA transfer through extracellular vesicles (EVs) to act in conjunction with proteins, leading to changes in mRNA, which can provide early signals to indicate forthcoming neuropathological changes in the brain. Here, we analysed the small RNA content, in particular, miRNA, contained in brain‐derived EVs isolated from the frontal cortex of Alzheimer's subjects (n = 8) and neurological control subjects (n = 9). Brain‐derived EVs were found to contain an upregulation of disease‐associated miRNA. RNA species from brain‐derived EVs were correlated with miRNA profiles obtained from matching total brain homogenate. These results provide a blueprint into the biological pathways potentially effected during disease that may be assisted by brain‐derived EV RNA horizontal transfer.We also correlated the miRNA changes in the brain with those detected in peripheral EVs collected from serum of Alzheimer's disease patients (n = 23, and healthy controls, n = 23) and revealed a panel of miRNA that could be used as a liquid brain biopsy. Overall, our study provides the first interrogation of the small RNA contents in brain‐derived EVs and how they could be used to understand the early pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease which will benefit the development of an early diagnostic blood test.
Climate and anthropogenic controls on blue carbon sequestration in Hudson River tidal marsh, Piermont, New York
Authors: Peteet D , Nichols J , Pederson D , Kenna T , Chang C , Newton B , Vincent S
Published: June 2020

Tidal marshes globally are experiencing erosion with sea level rise. In order to adaptively plan for essential marsh preservation, we recognize the importance of the investigation of marsh archives for the perspective they provide toward resilience. Our objective in this study is to examine the relationship of tidal marsh carbon sequestration with both climate change and human impact throughout past centuries and millennia. A Hudson River marsh sediment core spanning the last 2000 years is analyzed for bulk loss on ignition (LOI), bulk density, sedimentation rate, carbon (C) and mineral flux, and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis including lead, copper, titanium and potassium. We compare this record to previously established pollen and spore stratigraphy from the same site, along with an extensive macrofossil based AMS 14C chronology based upon both cores. Carbon accumulation generally follows sediment accumulation rates, which were higher than 200 g C m−2 yr−1 prior to 1500 years ago. Declines in carbon storage rate during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) are linked to drought, fire, and charcoal, while lesser declines during the Little Ice Age (LIA) are linked to cooling and a shorter growing season. Subsequent human impact with marsh haying practices also led to carbon accumulation rate decline to 100 g C m−2 yr−1. Increases in C sequestration rates in recent decades may be attributable to nitrogen pollution of the estuary, invasive plants, and/or increased flooding, but the lack of mineral sediment threatens their stability. Ecosystem function is declining with the loss of foundational species, and the crisis is deepening for preservation of this habitat. We strongly recommend strategies for minimizing marsh loss.
Sustainability of Sulaa Coastal Areas as Heritage Assets in Baubau City Southeast Sulawesi Province
Authors: Kadir Ishak , Ramadan Sachrul , Zakaria Umar Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Sulaa is one of the coastal villages in Baubau, most people work as fishermen, therefore the sea is a very important part of their lives. Sulaa became Buton’s traditional weaving center in Baubau with diverse cultural traditions which were maintained as the value of local wisdom. This paper aims to show of sustainability of Sulaa coastal areas in heritage area of Sulaa. This research uses rationality qualitative method. The data collecting done by measurement, interviews, observations, documents collecting and literature study. This research showed there are innovation of sustainable settlement and ecotourism development of Sulaa settlement, includes: 1) the diversity of natural heritage assets include the Nirwana beach, Lakeba beach, Lakusa’s cave, etc; 2) sustainability of Butonese traditional house concepts shown in the sustainable culture, architecture, and nature; 3) sustainability of cultural traditions of society, and; 4) creation and use of space based on the values of society.
Technical Feasibility Analysis of Waode Buri-Lelamo Port as Local Feeder Port in North Buton Regency Southeast Sulawesi Province
Authors: Ramadan Sachrul , Kadir Ishak , Umar Muhammad Zakaria , Arsyad L M N
Published: June 2020

Wa Ode Buri-Lelamo Port is located in North Kulisusu District, North Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This study can be information about the prospect of developing Lelamo Port, so that it can support economic acceleration in the islands of Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study is aimed at increasing the port of Lelamo to become a local feeder port. Local ports are adjusted to eligibility standards. This feasibility standard is based on the regulation of the Minister of Sea Transportation, No. PM 146, 2016. Data obtained by observation and literature. Data related to port planning. Data is analyzed in a quantitative way. Data is given scoring against eligibility requirements. Technical feasibility requirements include land topog, bathymetry and hydro oceonography. The results of this study concluded that the Waode Buri-Lelamo port is considered feasible to be a local feeder port. This study recommends that the port needs to be made trestell with a size of 6 m x 22 m, a pier made with a size of 8 m x 70 m, and the lowest apron height of 5 m from tides.
Floating Market In Muara Angke
Authors: Choandi Mieke , Jessica Berlian Lourensya
Published: June 2020

Developing the marine economy as the prime mover Indonesian maritime development is the focus of Muara Angke’s fishiries as one of many regions with the biggest fishiries market in Indonesia. Infrastructure in fishiries distribution from producer to consumen is still being an obstacle until occur economy and fishiries distribution degradation in Muara Angke. Developing Floating Market is being a solution which focusing in seashore tourism economy, which is one stop recreation, where the tourists can buy both cooked and uncooked fishiries and can enjoy the sea recreation and beautiful Indonesia. The author examines and analyses Muara Angke district, that being the location of the design and research culture study of fishermen and characteristic study of existing Floating Market in the world as a reference in designing. Floating Market must be able to facilitate fishiries distribution infrastructure, either for direct consumption or export outside and creating space that can be felt by society and supporting maritime value of the maritime state that embodies the concept of Indonesia as the global maritime axis.