bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consistent evaluation of continuum scale properties of two-dimensional materials: a case study on graphene
Authors: Gandhi Sourabh S , Patra Puneet Kumar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We handshake statistical mechanics with continuum mechanics to develop a methodology for consistent evaluation of the continuum scale properties of two-dimensional materials. The methodology is tested on pristine graphene. Our scope is kept limited to elastic modulus, E, which has been reported to vary between 0.912 TPa and 7 TPa, Poisson’s ratio, ν, which has been reported to vary from being negative to a value as large as 0.46, and effective thickness, q, whose value varies between 0.75 Å and 3.41 Å. Such a large scatter arises due to inconsistent evaluation of these properties and making assumptions that may not be valid at atomistic scales. Our methodology combines three separate methods: uniaxial tension, equibiaxial tension, and flexural out-of-plane free vibrations of simply supported sheets, which, when used in tandem in molecular dynamics, can provide consistent values of E, ν and q. The only assumption made in the present study is the validity of the continuum scale thin plate vibration equation to represent the free vibrations of a graphene sheet. Our results suggest that—(i) graphene is auxetic in nature, (ii) E decreases with increasing size and temperature, and (iii) the effective thickness q increases with increasing size and temperature. Further, a robustness study of the computed mechanical properties shows consistent results, with differences varying between 1.4% and 6%.
Accuracy evaluation of geometric error calibration using a laser tracer via a formulaic approach
Authors: Cong Hongdong , Zha Jun , Li Linhui , Li Yipeng , Chen Yaolong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this work, we examine the accuracy of the geometric error calibration of machine tools using a laser tracer, via the multilateration or sequential multilateration principle. An uncertainty analysis of geometric errors or target point coordinates, based on the Monte-Carlo method, is often adopted to assess the accuracy of measurement results. However, this approach is not comprehensive, and can be time-consuming. This paper adopts the average volumetric localization accuracy to assess the quality of geometric error calibration, where the accuracy is evaluated approximately by means of a formulaic method, based on the multivariate law of propagation of uncertainty. Using this method, the accuracy of measurement results can be denoted quantitatively with a single indicator, and the influence of measurement strategy on measurement accuracy can be analyzed more intuitively. To further improve the average volumetric localization accuracy, we employ an optimization method for the measurement path, based on the greedy algorithm. Simulations and experiment are then conducted to verify the proposed method; the results show that both the laser tracer setup and measurement path have a great deal of influence on the measurement accuracy of geometric errors.
One-step synthesis of carbon nanospheres with an encapsulated iron-nickel nanoalloy and its potential use as an electrocatalyst
Authors: Gonzalez-Reyna Marlen , Rodriguez-Lopez Aaron , Pérez-Robles Juan Francisco 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
For many years, in electrochemical processes, carbon nanostructures with metal support have been employed as electrodes due to their high surface area, chemical stability, and excellent performance as catalyst support by allowing a better electronic transfer. Nevertheless, on the surface, metallic nanoparticles are susceptible to corrosion. Instead, by encapsulating individual nanoparticles, they are protected. Among the carbon nanostructures, the most common are graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon nanospheres (CNSs). Unlike CNTs and CNSs, graphene is difficult to obtain in mass production, limiting their applications. Regarding CNTs and CNSs, the latter presents better catalytic activity. Nonetheless, the process of synthesis of CNSs with metal inside is commonly made by time-consuming autoclave processes, some involving more than 43 h, and hence are expensive. Here, we suggest an advantageous synthesis of CNSs with an iron–nickel alloy encapsulated inside, by using a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in less than 3 h. This material has potential applications for environmental and energy processes. According to the authors, the uses of iron-nickel alloys as an electrocatalyst for the ammonia oxidation reaction has not been proved. Thus, we evaluate the composite as an electrocatalyst for the ammonia oxidation reaction, an electrochemical process that offers environmental remediation and hydrogen as a fuel. The electrochemical characterization shows that the use of a bimetallic electrode improves the catalytic activity. In this case, nickel is the active specie and iron is the metal added which reduces the reaction potential. Besides, the composite presents high specific capacitance, better than other materials proposed such as graphene decorated with FeNi alloys. This behavior can be related to the variation of the catalyst morphology (supported vs. encapsulated) by improving the catalyst dispersion and particle size stabilization.
Separate absorption and multiplication solar-blind photodiodes based on p-NiO/MgO/n-ZnO heterostructure
Authors: Hwang Jun Dar , Wu Meng-Shu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
High-performance solar-blind separate absorption and multiplication avalanche photodiodes (SAM-APDs) were fabricated based on a p-NiO/MgO/n-ZnO dual heterojunction structure. The prepared SAM-APDs exhibited a separated absorption and multiplication structure that used NiO and ZnO as absorption layers, and ultrawide-bandgap MgO as a multiplication layer. When the reverse-bias voltage exceeded 6 V, carrier avalanche multiplication occurred, and the avalanche gain reached a high value of 2.7 × 103, corresponding to a 1120% quantum efficiency, at a reverse-bias voltage of 10 V. These solar-blind SAM-APDs had an ultraviolet (UV) (310 nm)/visible (500 nm) rejection ratio as high as 563.6 at a 2 V reverse-bias voltage. These features render the SAM-APDs highly suitable for practical applications as UV solar-blind photodetectors.
Remote health diagnosis and monitoring in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Behar Joachim A , Liu Chengyu , Kotzen Kevin , Tsutsui Kenta , Corino Valentina D A , Singh Janmajay , Pimentel Marco A F , Warrick Philip , Zaunseder Sebastian , Andreotti Fernando , Sebag David , Kopanitsa Georgy , McSharry Patrick E , Karlen Walter , Karmakar Chandan , Clifford Gari D 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is rapidly spreading across the globe. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requires early detection and monitoring, within a clinical environment for critical cases and remotely for mild cases, with a large spectrum of symptoms. The fear of contamination in clinical environments has led to a dramatic reduction in on-site referrals for routine care. There has also been a perceived need to continuously monitor non-severe COVID-19 patients, either from their quarantine site at home, or dedicated quarantine locations (e.g. hotels). In particular, facilitating contact tracing with proximity and location tracing apps was adopted in many countries very rapidly. Thus, the pandemic has driven incentives to innovate and enhance or create new routes for providing healthcare services at distance. In particular, this has created a dramatic impetus to find innovative ways to remotely and effectively monitor patient health status. In this paper, we present a review of remote health monitoring initiatives taken in 20 states during the time of the pandemic. We emphasize in the discussion particular aspects that are common ground for the reviewed states, in particular the future impact of the pandemic on remote health monitoring and consideration on data privacy.
Optical fibre sensing for fast hotspot detection in SFCLs
Authors: Akbar Arooj , Yang Zhisheng , Wang Sheng , Thévenaz Luc , Dutoit Bertrand 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The health monitoring of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL) is important for their large-scale exploitation in HVDC grids protection. The intrinsic non-homogeneity of critical current along the superconductor length can cause localized points of heating, called hotspots, in the SFCL device which can lead to device damage. In this paper we propose to use an extremely simple and cost-effective technique based on all-fibre Mach-Zehnder interferometers for hotspot detection in SFCLs, where the measurement arm of the interferometer is integrated with the SFCL and the reference arm remains in ambient. The system only consists of a laser, two optical fibre couplers and a photo detector. By studying the acquired interference patterns, even singular hotspots within the entire conductor length, can be informed in few milli-seconds, which is the fastest and most sensitive demonstration to the best of our knowledge that meets the SFCL requirement for fast hotspot detection.
Dynamic charge state distributions of 5 MeV Xe20+ ions penetrating through gaseous argon target
Authors: Wang Z , Cheng R , Xue F B , Chen Y H , Lei Y , Wang Y Y , Zhou Z X , Su M G , Yang J , Dong C Z 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Dynamic distribution of charge state of highly charged 131Xe20+ (Z = 54) ions penetrating through the different areal density of gaseous argon target are measured, with the energy of 5 MeV (38.2 keV/u). Two individual stages of charge state are observed: pre-equilibrium stage, where the distribution moves toward the lower charge state with increasing the density of target; equilibrium stage, where the average charge state remains constant as 3.5. The experimental average charge states are compared with the theoretical predictions by the semi-empirical formulas and the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) respectively. A strong dependence of the average charge on energy loss of projectiles is observed too.
Fabrication and modeling of recessed traces for silicon-based neural microelectrodes
Authors: Nolta Nicholas F , Ghelich Pejman , Ersöz Alpaslan , Han Martin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective. Chronically-implanted neural microelectrodes are powerful tools for neuroscience research and emerging clinical applications, but their usefulness is limited by their tendency to fail after months in vivo. One failure mode is the degradation of insulation materials that protect the conductive traces from the saline environment. Approach. Studies have shown that material degradation is accelerated by mechanical stresses, which tend to concentrate on raised topographies such as conducting traces. Therefore, to avoid raised topographies, we developed a fabrication technique that recesses (buries) the traces in dry-etched, self-aligned trenches. Main results. The fabrication technique produced flatness within approximately 15 nm. Finite element modeling showed that the recessed geometry would be expected to reduce intrinsic stress concentrations in the insulation layers. Finally, in vitro electrochemical tests confirmed that recessed traces had robust recording and stimulation capabilities that were comparable to an established non-recessed device design. Significance. Our recessed trace fabrication technique requires no extra masks, is easy to integrate with existing processes, and is likely to improve the long-term performance of implantable neural devices.
Enhancement of photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic hydrogen evolution over sensitized Ag/TiO2
Authors: Almazroai Layla S 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Photocatalysis is a promising technique for the production of hydrogen gas (H2), which has high energy capacity. Investigations into raising the quantum yield of H2 have considered the process itself and the compositions of the photocatalysts used. In particular, sensitization of semiconductors or their doping with metals has had a remarkable impact on the alternative energy industry. Dyes have great absorbance power under visible wavelengths, which overcomes a key limitation of TiO2 as a semiconductor. In this research, cyanine derivatives connected with Ag/TiO2 were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, and optical spectroscopy. The nanomaterials (48–88 nm) that were prepared had high crystallinity, and they were shifted to a region of sunlight radiation rich in photons, thereby enhancing the production of hydrogen. The improvement was more than by three-fold after 6 h. In addition, the combined light and ultrasound radiation yielded spectacular results, around six-fold of what was accomplished in the presence of light alone. Sonophotocatalysis has proven to be good for ensuring that particles do not aggregate during radiation and thus continue to produce abundant reactive oxidative species.
Optimised enhancement scheme for low contrast underwater images
Authors: Amusa K A , Adewusi A , Erinosho T C , Solana V O 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Images acquired in underwater environments are usually affected by light absorption and scattering. These are the two phenomena that reduce the clarity of images that are captured in these environments. These factors cause low contrast and anamorphic colour diffusion. To tackle these issues, we propose an optimized low contrast enhancement scheme. The main thrust of this paper borders on enhancement of underwater image contrast by preserving the brightness level. The approach is termed Fuzzy-Histogram Equalisation Optimised for Brightness Preservation (FHEOBP) technique, where a combination of fuzzy and classical histogram equalisation techniques is employed towards the enhancement of the contrast of images from underwater scene. The scheme is optimized using teaching-learning-based optimisation technique that is built into the algorithm. The proposed FHEOBP filter shows improved performance over Local Histogram Equalisation (LHE) and Global Histogram Equalisation (GHE) as it has a higher luminance distortion index value than those of LHE and GHE. This translates into a better image details preservation. In fact, the computed luminance distortion indices for optimised FHEOBP are 16.4%, 28.3% and 20.1%, respectively higher than those of the corresponding GHE, in the same test images utilised for performance evaluation. Between the optimised and non-optimised FHEOBP, luminance distortion figures of optimised FHEOBP are 8%, 6.8% and 9.8% higher than those of the equivalent non-optimised FHEOBP in the test image data set.
Gating Patterns to Proprioceptive Stimulation in Various Cortical Areas: An MEG Study in Children and Adults using Spatial ICA
Authors: Vallinoja Jaakko , Jaatela Julia , Nurmi Timo , Piitulainen Harri 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Proprioceptive paired-stimulus paradigm was used for 30 children (10–17 years) and 21 adult (25–45 years) volunteers in magnetoencephalography (MEG). Their right index finger was moved twice with 500-ms interval every 4 ± 25 s (repeated 100 times) using a pneumatic-movement actuator. Spatial-independent component analysis (ICA) was applied to identify stimulus-related components from MEG cortical responses. Clustering was used to identify spatiotemporally consistent components across subjects. We found a consistent primary response in the primary somatosensory (SI) cortex with similar gating ratios of 0.72 and 0.69 for the children and adults, respectively. Secondary responses with similar transient gating behavior were centered bilaterally in proximity of the lateral sulcus. Delayed and prolonged responses with strong gating were found in the frontal and parietal cortices possibly corresponding to larger processing network of somatosensory afference. No significant correlation between age and gating ratio was found. We confirmed that cortical gating to proprioceptive stimuli is comparable to other somatosensory and auditory domains, and between children and adults. Gating occurred broadly beyond SI cortex. Spatial ICA revealed several consistent response patterns in various cortical regions which would have been challenging to detect with more commonly applied equivalent current dipole or distributed source estimates.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events During Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Are Serotype Dependent
Authors: Africano Hector F , Serrano-Mayorga Cristian C , Ramirez-Valbuena Paula C , Bustos Ingrid G , Bastidas Alirio , Vargas Hernan A , Gómez Sandra , Rodriguez Alejandro , Orihuela Carlos J , Reyes Luis F 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Up to 30% of patients admitted to hospitals with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) experience major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) including new/worsening heart failure, new/worsening arrhythmia, and/or myocardial infarction. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is the most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen among community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients and the only etiological agent linked independently to MACE. Nevertheless, no clinical data exist identifying which serotypes of Spn are principally responsible for MACE.

Methods
This was an observational multicenter retrospective study conducted through the Public Health Secretary of Bogotá, Colombia. We included patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of IPD with record of pneumococcal serotyping and clinical information between 2012 and 2019. Spn were serotyped using the quellung method by the National Center of Microbiology. MACE were determined by a retrospective chart review.

Results
The prevalence of MACE was 23% (71/310) in IPD patients and 28% (53/181) in patients admitted for CAP. The most prevalent S. pneumoniae serotype identified in our study was the 19A, responsible for the 13% (42/310) of IPD in our cohort, of which 21% (9/42) presented MACE. Serotypes independently associated with MACE in IPD patients were serotype 3 (odds ratio [OR] 1, 48; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.21–2.27]; P = .013) and serotype 9n (OR 1.29; 95% CI [1.08–2.24]; P = .020). Bacteremia occurred in 87% of patients with MACE. Moreover, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein were elevated in patients with MACE versus in non-MACE patients (mean [standard deviation], 138 [145] vs 73 [106], P = .01).

Conclusions
MACE are common during IPD with serotype 3 and 9n independently of frequency.
Strategies to improve outcomes for acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion
Authors: Gomibuchi Toshihito , Seto Tatsuichiro , Naito Kazuki , Chino Shuji , Mikoshiba Toru , Komatsu Masaki , Tanaka Haruki , Ichimura Hajime , Yamamoto Takateru , Nakahara Ko , Ohashi Noburo , Fuke Megumi , Wada Yuko , Okada Kenji 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to identify predictors of postoperative permanent neurological deficits (PNDs) and evaluate the early management of cerebral perfusion in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion.

METHODS
Between October 2009 and September 2018, a total of 197 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic replacement. Of these, 42 (21.3%) patients had an imaging cerebral malperfusion (ICM). ICM was assessed preoperatively, which also revealed whether dissected supra-aortic branch vessels were occluded or narrowed by a thrombosed false lumen. After September 2017, early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization were performed in cases with ICM.

RESULTS
Hospital mortality rates for cases with ICM were 4.8% (2/42). Before September 2017, PND were observed in 6 patients (54.5%) with preoperative neurological symptoms (n = 11), and 7 patients (33.3%) without neurological symptoms (n = 21) in patients with ICM. Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels (odds ratio, 7.66; P &lt; 0.001), regardless of preoperative clinical neurological symptoms, was a risk factor for PND. After September 2017, 7 of 10 patients with ICM underwent early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization. PND did not occur in any of these 7 patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels is a predictor of PND risk in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization may reduce the risk of neurological complications in patients with ICM, with or without neurological symptoms.
Functions of small RNAs in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group of lactic acid bacteria using fragment analysis
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Shiiyama Narumi , Urabe Taihei , Yamashita Hideji , Yasuda Shin , Igoshi Keiji , Kinoshita Hideki 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
Small RNAs (sRNA) are non-cording RNAs composed of 50∼400 nt responsible for coordinating the adaption of Escherichia coli and other bacteria to changing environmental conditions, including pH and temperature. However, the role of sRNAs in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has not yet been clarified. In this study, we used the Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group to evaluate the function of sRNAs in LAB, using RNA sequencing in the exponential growth phase and stationary phase to map and analyze sRNA fragments, which were categorized as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus paracasei. We evaluated the role of sRNAs in nutrient synthesis for cell growth in exponential growth phase and in protein and biofilm biosynthesis for cell body durability. During exponential growth, the sRNA fragments were found to be involved in the stress response in Pediococcus pentosaceus and in environmental adaption in Lactobacillus paracasei. The results suggest that the function of sRNA can be characterized from sRNA fragments using RNA sequencing during the exponential growth and stationary phases in Lactobacillus casei-Pediococcus group.
Development and Validation of 2 Composite Aging Measures Using Routine Clinical Biomarkers in the Chinese Population: Analyses From 2 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Liu Zuyun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to: (i) develop 2 composite aging measures in the Chinese population using 2 recent advanced algorithms (the Klemera and Doubal method and Mahalanobis distance); and (ii) validate the 2 measures by examining their associations with mortality and disease counts.

Methods
Based on data from the China Nutrition and Health Survey (CHNS) 2009 wave (N = 8119, aged 20–79 years, 53.5% women), a nationwide prospective cohort study of the Chinese population, we developed Klemera and Doubal method-biological age (KDM-BA) and physiological dysregulation (PD, derived from Mahalanobis distance) using 12 biomarkers. For the validation analysis, we used Cox proportional hazard regression models (for mortality) and linear, Poisson, and logistic regression models (for disease counts) to examine the associations. We replicated the validation analysis in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, N = 9304, aged 45–99 years, 53.4% women).

Results
Both aging measures were predictive of mortality after accounting for age and gender (KDM-BA, per 1-year, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 1.19; PD, per 1-SD, HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.69). With few exceptions, these mortality predictions were robust across stratifications by age, gender, education, and health behaviors. The 2 aging measures were associated with disease counts both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. These results were generally replicable in CHARLS although 4 biomarkers were not available.

Conclusions
We successfully developed and validated 2 composite aging measures—KDM-BA and PD, which have great potentials for applications in early identifications and preventions of aging and aging-related diseases in China.