bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal design for digital comparator using QCA nanotechnology with energy estimation
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractQuantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a transistor‐less technology to implement the nanoscale circuit designs. QCA circuits are fast, highly dense and dissipate less energy as compared to widely used complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this paper, a novel structure for digital comparator using QCA nanotechnology is proposed. Digital comparator is a basic and important module in central processing unit which compares two binary numbers. The proposed digital comparator is optimal, single layered with 0.50 clock latency and containing only 26 QCA cells. The proposed digital comparator is compared for the different performance metrics with the existing digital comparators. The calculations for energy dissipation are provided using QCA Designer‐E and QCA Pro tools. The proposed coplanar digital comparator is designed with minimum QCA cells which reduces the total cell area, total covered area and cost. Total cell area, total covered area and cost for the proposed digital comparator are 0.008 μm2, 0.023 μm2 and 0.006 respectively. Results show that energy dissipation for the proposed design is very less therefore, proposed digital comparator is energy efficient.
Sustainable process improvements: Evidence from intervention‐based research
Authors: Anand Gopesh , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Sharma Luv 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis research develops a methodology for making process improvements that can sustain over time. Working with caregivers at a large U.S. hospital over 3 years, we redesign a process for educating kidney transplant patients with instructions for post‐surgical care. Adopting an intervention‐based research (IBR) framework and based on our actions to overcome challenges in implementation and sustainment of the redesign, we revise the current understanding of organizational learning theory. Follow‐up observations after our intervention show that the process improvements at the hospital are sustained. We supplement the IBR with quantitative analyses and provide evidence of improvements in health outcomes and satisfaction levels of patients associated with the redesign. These analyses are based on difference‐in‐difference estimations using data from transplant patients, including a control group from other transplant units. Overall, our research specifies a methodology for implementing sustainable process improvements, particularly in high interaction service environments such as healthcare delivery, and identifies refinements to organizational learning theory, especially for such environments.
Formulation and characterization of catechin‐loaded proniosomes for food fortification
Authors: Shruthi Padma Aswath , Pushpadass Heartwin A , Magdaline Eljeeva Emerald Franklin , Surendra Nath Battula , Laxmana Naik Naik 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo overcome the problems associated with niosomes, proniosomes – a dry powder – was prepared to nanoencapsulate catechins using Span 60 as surfactant, cholesterol as stabilizer and maltodextrin, lactose monohydrate and pullulan as wall materials. The proniosomes were made by the thin‐film hydration technique, and were characterized for fortification in milk beverages. Scanning and atomic force microscopic images showed the varying morphology and ultrastructure of the proniosomes. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of 193.57–262.52 nm, polydispersity index of 0.24–0.25 and zeta potential of −15.8 to −24.73 were suggestive of the size, homogeneity and stability of the catechin‐loaded proniosomes. X‐ray powder diffractograms and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra provided insight about the interaction between catechins and wall materials. Entrapment efficiency and in vitro release were calculated to determine the extent of nanoencapsulation of catechins and their bioavailability, respectively. The nanoencapsulates were fortified in milk and yogurt to find their organoleptic acceptability.RESULTSMoisture content was found to be 20–30 g kg−1, indicating longer stability of the proniosomes. Scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic images revealed the ultrastructure and spherical‐shaped morphology of proniosomes. Entrapment efficiency of catechins using pullulan as wall material was as high as 83.43%. In vitro release studies revealed the sustained release of catechins from the proniosomes. FTIR and X‐ray diffraction spectra revealed the absence of chemical interactions between catechins and encapsulants.CONCLUSIONFood‐grade proniosomes are a good vehicle for fortification of milk and yogurt without noticeable adverse changes in their organoleptic and physicochemical properties, thus increasing the potential for bioavailability of catechins in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Opioid Prescribing Patterns Following Pediatric Tonsillectomy in the United States, 2009–2017
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Alyono Jennifer C. , Jin Michael C. , Cooperman Shayna P. , Cheng Alan G. , Balakrishnan Karthik 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesAssess national trends in opioid prescription following pediatric tonsillectomy: 1) overall percentage receiving opioids and mean quantity, 2) changes during 2009–2017, and 3) determinants of prescription patterns.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis using 2009–2017 Optum claims data to identify opioid‐naïve children aged 1–18 with claims codes for tonsillectomy (n = 82,842). Quantities of opioids filled in outpatient pharmacies during the perioperative period were extracted and converted into milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for statistical comparison. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic predictors of opioid fill rate and quantity were determined using regression analyses.ResultsIn 2009, 83.3% of children received opioids, decreasing to 58.3% by 2017. Rates of all‐cause readmissions and post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhages were similar over time. Mean quantity received was 153.47MME (95% confidence intervals [95%CI]: 151.19, 155.76) and did not significantly change during 2009–2017. Opioids were more likely in older children and those with higher household income, but less likely in children with obstructive sleep apnea, other comorbidities, and Hispanic race. Higher quantities of opioids were more likely in older children, while lower quantities were associated with female sex, Hispanic race, and higher household income. Outpatient steroids were prescribed to 8.04% of patients, who were less likely to receive opioids.ConclusionWhile the percentage of children receiving post‐tonsillectomy opioids decreased during 2009–2017, prescribed quantities remain high and have not decreased over time. Prescription practices were also influenced by clinical and sociodemographic factors. These results highlight the need for guidance, particularly with regard to opioid quantity, in children after tonsillectomy.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 131:E1722–E1729, 2021
Demarcating the rainfed unproductive zones in the African Sahel and Great Green Wall regions
Authors: Elagib Nadir Ahmed , Khalifa Muhammad , Babker Zryab , Musa Ammar Ahmed , Fink Andreas H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFarming and afforestation in the African Sahel and Great Green Wall (GGW) regions are constrained by climate variability, water scarcity, and degradation of lands. Yet, the debate on dynamics of the Saharan boundary and vegetation productivity in these regions is ongoing. Here, we trace the most unsuitable areas for rainfed agriculture and greening in the two regions over the period 1998–2017 without specifying a crop/vegetation type. A method is devised based on combining June–October rainfall/potential evapotranspiration (aridity index) and integrated normalized difference vegetation index (productivity index). The feasibility of the currently planned GGW is placed in the context of naturally‐sound afforestation. The results show certain features of the suitable zone for planting. A seasonal aridity index of 0.1 is a minimum threshold for vegetation vigour to begin. Given the strong interannual north–south progression and retreat of this seasonal level, the northernmost aridity isoline that dictates feasibility of rainfed productivity is found to correspond to the borderline between the arid and semiarid zones. This borderline is delimited by an average aridity index of 0.2. Accordingly, 1,337,535 km2 (43.5%) and 729,576 km2 (25.6%) of the Sahel and the proposed GGW region, respectively, are not feasible for sustainable planting, that is, under rainfed and natural land fertility conditions. About 93.0% of the impractical GGW area lies east of longitude 10°E. Investing in a green belt east of this longitude is risky without supplementary irrigation. The contrasting productivity behavior across the GGW cautions the progression in this project without rigorous feasibility investigation.
Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid: Pathologic outcomes and ultrasonographic analysis
Authors: Shin Timothy J. , Rabbani Cyrus C. , Murthy Henna D. , Traylor Katie , Sim Michael W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules suspicious for Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCN) have uncertain rate of malignancy. We aim to characterize rate and predictors of malignancy at our institution and compare these findings with established literature to help guide management.MethodsSingle tertiary‐referral center, retrospective study of 166 adults who underwent hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy following FNA suspicious for HCN from 1998‐2018. Demographic information and surgical histopathologic results were collected. Preoperative ultrasonography was independently scored on the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) by a board‐certified head and neck radiologist.ResultsThere were 39 males and 127 females. Overall, 25 (15.1%) patients had carcinoma, with 15 (9%) being Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC). Men had higher incidence of carcinoma (25.6% v. 11.8%, P = .035), and especially older males. Contralateral carcinoma was seen in 3 of 13 (23.1%) patients that underwent completion thyroidectomy. Patients with carcinoma had larger nodules (average diameter 3.3 cm versus 2.5 cm, respectively, P = .01), but no association with TI‐RADS.ConclusionAdults with nodules suspicious for HCN have significant risk of malignancy consistent with prior studies. Older males and larger nodule diameter are associated with malignancy in this cohort, but TI‐RADS grade is not. These findings provide a framework for management and counseling for lesions suspicious for HCN.
Deep Learning Based Recognition of Different Mode Bases in Ring‐Core Fiber
Authors: Wang Lulu , Ruan Zhengsen , Wang Hongya , Shen Lei , Zhang Lei , Luo Jie , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn fiber‐optic communications using diverse spatial modes for sustainable capacity scaling, the intelligent recognition of different mode bases is of great importance to enhance the flexiblity and compatibility of mode management. Here a convolutional neural network (CNN) model is introduced to recognize the four mode bases with the azimuthal index ℓ= 5, namely the LP5,1 mode group, the linearly and circularly polarized OAM±5,1 mode group, and the vector EH4,1 or HE6,1 mode group in a ring‐core fiber. A camera is first used to capture intensity profiles of mode bases as training and testing data sets of the neural network. The CNN‐based deep learning successfully recognizes different mode bases with an overall recognition rate of close to 100%. Furthermore, an alternative compact and cost‐effective approach is considered toward practical applications by replacing the camera with a photodetector (PD) array for intelligent mode bases recognition. A 1 × 5 PD array can perfectly recognize different mode bases with a recognition rate of close to 100%. Even a 1 × 2 PD array with only two PDs can obtain a high recognition rate of close to 93.3%. The demonstrations may open up new perspectives for deep learning enabled robust and intelligent optical communications exploiting spatial modes.
The Role of Formamidine Groups in Dextran Based Nonviral Vectors for Gene Delivery on Their Physicochemical and Biological Characteristics
Authors: Fischer Dagmar , Dusek Niels , Hotzel Konrad , Heinze Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDextran‐formamidine esters (dextran‐N‐[(dimethylamino)methylene]‐β‐alanine ester) with different degrees of substitution (0.45–0.92) are synthesized in an one‐pot reaction. Dextran (Mw 60 000 g mol−1) is allowed to react with unprotected beta‐alanine and iminium chloride and investigated regarding the potential as gene delivery system for the transfer of plasmid DNA. With degrees of substitution ≥ 0.63 improved DNA binding with formation of enzymatically stable complexes of about 130–160 nm with negative surface charges are obtained. These physicochemical characteristics correlated with increasing transfection rates in CHO‐K1 cells determined by a luciferase reporter gene assay in dependency of the number of formamidine residues, N/P ratios and amount of DNA. The role of the number of formamidine groups is also highlighted by in vitro cyto‐ and hemotoxicity tests under the chosen conditions. These results indicate that dextran‐formamidine esters are a very promising material for the safe and efficient gene delivery.
Halloysite Containing Thermoset Nanocomposites via Free Radical Photocrosslinking Polymerization
Authors: Turp Onur , Acar Seda Bekin , Ozdemir Kevser , Bouharras Fatima Ezzahra , Raihane Mustapha , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNaturally occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are first functionalized by 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate and then used as nanofillers in a mixture of difunctional methacrylates (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate). Upon free radical photocrosslinking of this mixture enables the in situ preparation of HNT/thermoset nanocomposites. The covalent bonding of HNT in the thermoset matrix is proven by following characteristic bands of the mixture using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the presence and distribution of HNT in the nanocomposites are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy observations. In addition, a mixed morphology containing agglomerated/nonagglomerated HNTs in the thermoset matrix is also determined. Both tensile strength and elasticity modulus of nanocomposites are dramatically increased with increase in HNT loading up to 4% ratio. On the other hand, these nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal properties compared to the neat thermoset.
Identifying the best regimen for primary eradication of Helicobacter pylori: analysis of 240 cases
Authors: Chen Yao , Liu Qingyi , Hu Fulian , Ma Jizheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe treatment regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori may be best when therapy is susceptibility guided. However, it is unrealistic to use a strategy based on susceptibility testing to prioritize therapy for every patient in China. Empirical therapy of H. pylori is still widely used. The study was designed to discuss the best first‐line treatment regimen depending on empirical therapy. The focal point of the study was the optimal length of the therapy. Also, the selection of antibiotics was discussed in the article. This was a prospective, randomized, non‐inferiority trial. H. pylori‐infected patients who have no previous eradication therapy were randomly assigned to the following: 20 mg of rabeprazole, 1000 mg of amoxicillin, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 220 mg of bismuth potassium citrate (BACPPI), administered twice a day for 10 or 14 days. The efficacy, side effects, and remission rate of clinical symptoms were determined. A total of 240 subjects were included in the study. The eradication rate with 14 and 10 days was essentially identical in both intention‐to‐treat (90.83% [95% CI, 86%–96%] vs. 87.50% [95% CI, 82%–93%]) and per‐protocol (94.78% [95% CI, 91%–99%] vs. 92.11% [95% CI, 87%–97%]) analyses. Loss of appetite and belching symptoms were significantly better in the BACPPI‐10 group than those in the control group after treatment. Side effects were generally mild and similar between groups. Our results showed that a 10‐day amoxicillin–clarithromycin‐containing bismuth quadruple therapy may be recommended for the primary empirical treatment of H. pylori infection in Beijing, China.
Numerical upper bounds to the ultimate load bearing capacity of three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Vincent H. , Arquier M. , Bleyer J. , de Buhan P. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThis contribution is addressing the ultimate limit state design of massive three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures based on a finite‐element implementation of yield design theory. The strength properties of plain concrete are modeled either by means of a tension cutoff Mohr Coulomb or a Rankine condition, while the contribution of the reinforcing bars is taken into account by means of a homogenization method. This homogenization method can either represent regions of uniformly distributed steel rebars smeared into the concrete domain, but it can also be extended to model single rebars diluted into a larger region, thereby simplifying mesh generation and mesh size requirements in this region. The present paper is mainly focused on the implementation of the upper bound kinematic approach formulated as a convex minimization problem. The retained strength condition for the plain concrete and homogenized reinforced regions are both amenable to a formulation involving positive semidefinite constraints. The resulting semidefinite programming problems can, therefore, be solved using state‐of‐the‐art dedicated solvers. The whole computational procedure is applied to some illustrative examples, where the implementation of both static and kinematic methods produces a relatively accurate bracketing of the exact failure load for this kind of structures.
Progress in electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters using carbon nanotubes/nanocomposite based materials: A chronological review
Authors: Elugoke Saheed E. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Fayemi Omolola E. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Nkambule Thabo T.I. , Sherif El‐Sayed M. , Ebenso Eno E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNeurotransmitters (NTs) are chemical compounds that play an important physiological role in the functioning of central nervous, renal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Their function is to regulate neural interactions by reducing the permeability of gap junctions between adjacent neurons of the same type. The abnormal level may lead to diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's diseases, and other neurological diseases. The devastating health hazards associated with the abnormal presence of NTs in biological systems coupled with the demerits of most modern detection methods necessitates the continuous development of novel electrochemical sensors. Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based sensors, as a result of the large surface area, biocompatibility, and chemical stability supplied by CNTs, have proven to offer massive sensitivity and low limit of detection (LOD). Its significance in sensors applications toward the detection of different group of compounds cannot be overemphasized. There are several review articles on NTs and their determination using different chemically modified electrodes and sensor platform. However, this review highlights the significance of notable NTs and the progress made in the last decade in the design of CNT‐based sensors for the detection of common NTs. Secondly, the review intends to highlight some of the challenges associated with the use of CNT‐modified electrodes for NT detection, quantification, and in real‐life application. Lastly, it will evaluate the future perspective in the use of CNT and its composite modified electrode over other surface modification materials used in sensor fabrication for the determination of NTs.
A new study on existence and uniqueness of nonlocal fractional delay differential systems of order 1 < r < 2 in Banach spaces
Authors: Williams W. Kavitha , Vijayakumar V. , Udhayakumar R. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article is mainly focusing on the existence and uniqueness of nonlocal fractional delay differential systems of order 1 < r < 2 in Banach spaces. By using the theoretical concepts related to the fractional calculus, cosine, and sine functions of operators and fixed point approach, we prove our main results. By using Kranoselskii's fixed point theorem, we discuss the existence of the mild solution and by applying the Banach contraction principle, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution of nonlocal fractional delay differential system. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
Agriculturalization of the Nomad‐Dominated Empires of the Northern Wei Dynasty in Pingcheng city (398–494 ad): A stable isotopic study on animal and human bones from the Jinmaoyuan cemetery, China
Authors: Zhang Guowen , Hou Xiaogang , Li Shuyun , Zhou Yawei , Richards Michael P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo investigate the agriculturalization of the Nomad‐Dominated Empires of the Northern Wei Dynasty, we analysed the δ13C and δ15N values of animal and human bone/dentine collagen from the Jingmaoyuan cemetery, Datong city, China. The majority of the Jingmaoyuan humans predominately relied on a diet of C4 plants, likely millets and/or domestic animals fed on by‐products of millet. Other individuals had a C3/C4 mixed diet, indicating diets with more protein from domestic animals and/or freshwater fish. The economy of millet‐based agriculture and diversified animal husbandry together with the integration between the nomadic Tuoba Xianbei and Han Chinese in Pingcheng city probably were driving forces behind the agriculturalization and development of the Northern Wei Pingcheng period (398–494 ad).
Evidence of horsemanship in two Szekler noblemen from the Baroque period
Authors: Zejdlik Katie , Nyárádi Zsolt , Gonciar Andre 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Szeklers are a biologically and archaeologically understudied Hungarian cultural group who have occupied the Carpathian Basin since at least A.D. 1000. For most of their history, they were an autonomous group given special nontaxed status in exchange for their service to the Kingdom of Hungary as cavalrymen and defenders of the eastern front. Excavation of a church in Harghita County, Romania, has uncovered the remains of two adult males in a brick‐lined crypt beneath the pulpit of the church. The partial name ‘FERE’ was preserved in nails on the coffin lid of one of the interments. The Ferenczy family was the noble family for the area. Macroscopic observation of the skeletal remains showed several non‐normal skeletal characteristics. As a suite of traits, the characteristics suggest long‐term and frequent horseback riding per the clinical and archaeological literature. Skeletal indicators of horsemanship combined with the known responsibilities of Szekler noblemen support an interpretation of horse riding behaviour. This case study is important because it contributes to the growing understanding about skeletal modifications related to horseback riding and adds to the limited biological and archaeological literature regarding Szekler individuals.